School Bus Flashing Lights and More Reader Questions Answered

I received numerous additional questions regarding a school bus driver’s use of yellow flashing lights prior to turning on the red flashing lights and the requirement of other drivers to stop.    

The Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) section 257.682 covers the requirements for drivers to stop for school buses. 
MCL 257.682(1) clearly states, “The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.”    

The school bus drivers use of yellow flashing lights is indicating caution to drivers approaching the school bus, that the school bus is about to turn on the red flashing lights and come to a stop.  

When drivers see a school bus with the yellow flashing lights activated they should begin slowing, look for children and be prepared to stop when the red flashing lights are activated.   

Jennifer from Dexter, Michigan is a driving instructor and has a question regarding the use of extra patrols periodically put out by law enforcement agencies for drunk drivers and seatbelts enforcement.  

Jennifer wonders why law enforcement doesn’t “crack down on the stop-sign-rollers or the ones who use turn lanes to pass vehicles or those who ignore other common everyday driving laws such as using a turn signal?”   

There are a couple of answers and reasons why law enforcement utilizes targeted patrol for some traffic offenses and not others.  For example the federal government issues grants for specific traffic enforcement efforts such as seatbelt enforcement and drunk driving.  

These grant monies can only be utilized for these enforcement efforts.    

The evidence is very clear the use of seatbelts save lives and reduce injuries.  The evidence is also clear the prevention or apprehension of drunk drivers will save lives.  Studies have shown quite clearly through education, coupled with directed enforcement efforts results in safer driving habits of drivers.  

One only has to look at the statistics for seatbelt use 10 years ago and current Michigan driver seatbelt use which is now around 98 percent.     

To answer Jennifer’s question regarding the other traffic law infractions and why, “law enforcement doesn’t crack down” on these violations, is law enforcement does.  When an officer or Trooper observes a violation, they will take appropriate action for that violation unless they are responding to a higher priority call.   

In Livingston County we have the Livingston County Uniform Traffic Team.  This team is comprised of law enforcement members from participating law enforcement departments in Livingston County.  

The team members will target specific areas in Livingston County for traffic or criminal enforcement actions.  For example the team is conducting an enforcement action along the entire M-36 corridor on Thursday, June 6.    

A Trooper stops a driver for speeding.  The driver complains to the Trooper that the Trooper didn’t stop other speeding motorists.  The Trooper asks the driver if they ever go fishing.  The driver says yes, they go fishing. The Trooper asks, “Do you ever catch all the fish?”   

If you have a questions or comments please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI  48116.