It’s that time of year again: Pumpkin Spice is back in every mug, and yellow school buses are back on every road. Your morning commute just got a little longer, which can easily trigger impatience. The single best start to your back-to-school driving routine? Leave 10 minutes earlier. A little extra buffer time lets you take a deep breath instead of stressing over a sudden traffic snarl.
Beyond adding extra time, staying safe on the road requires reviewing the rules of engagement for sharing lanes with buses and pedestrians. Per guidelines from Michigan.gov, here is what drivers and students need to keep in mind.
Rules for Drivers: Decoding Bus Lights & Medians
School buses act as mobile traffic signals. Knowing how to react keeps kids safe and saves you from a steep ticket.
-
Flashing Yellow Lights: Slow down and prepare to stop. The bus is getting ready to drop off or pick up students.
-
Flashing Red Lights: Stop at least 20 feet away.
-
Michigan Law Check: You must stop even if you are on the opposite side of the road, unless the highway is physically separated by a barrier or raised median.
-
-
Flashing Hazard Lights: Drive past with caution.
-
Watch the Neighborhoods: Slow down in residential zones. Look for crossing guards, safety patrols, parked cars, and playground signs that signal kids might step into the street.
-
Put the Phone Down: Distracted driving remains a leading safety hazard. Adjust your mirrors before putting the car in drive, scan carefully when reversing, and keep your full attention on the road.
Essentials for Students & Parents
Safety doesn’t stop at the steering wheel. Kids need a refresher on how to navigate the bus stop safely:
- Wearing bright jackets, hats, or backpacks helps drivers and bus operators spot kids early
- Stand at least 10 feet back from the road while waiting for the bus to arrive
- Never rush off the bus. Pause, check for traffic, and make direct eye contact with the driver before crossing
-