Police statewide to take part in Operation Safe Stop

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The state says police officers across Michigan will step up patrols to look for drivers illegally passing school buses.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning said it’s part of Operation Safe Stop, a statewide campaign that will run from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25.

“Every time a driver ignores the flashing lights or Stop arm of a school bus, they are putting a student’s life in danger,” Kellie Dean, CEO of Dean Transportation, said in a news release. “‘Operation Safe Stop’ will help keep students safe and will educate drivers on how to safely share the road with buses.”

Drivers who pass stopped school buses can be charged with a civil infraction with up to a $500 fine. Drivers who pass a stopped school bus and cause an injury face a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and/or one year in jail. Drivers who pass a school bus and cause a death face a felony with a fine up to $7,500 and/or up to 15 years in prison.

More information about school bus safety can be found online .

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