Back-to-school road safety tips for Michigan drivers, students and parents

• More than half of Michigan drivers pass through a school zone during their daily commute, according to a survey conducted by AAA 
• The auto group is encouraging Michiganders to practice safe driving habits as kids head back to school 
• Parents, children and other pedestrians should also be alert when walking to school or at the bus stop 

Back-to-school season can be an exciting time for parents and children, but with excitement also comes anxiety — whether it's from children going to school for the first time or parents trying to avoid morning traffic so they can get their kids to school on time. 

“Get ready for heavier traffic than normal, especially at first, since a lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA Auto Club Group, in a press statement.  “It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute. This is important because drivers who are running late are more likely to speed and take unnecessary risks while behind the wheel.”

According to a survey conducted by the auto group, more than half of Michigan residents said they drive through a school zone and 40% admitted to speeding through a school zone. 

The speed limit in a school zone can vary depending on the district. Some districts enforce speed limits in school zones from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

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Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 if they commit a moving violation resulting in an injury in a school zone 30 minutes before school starts or after school has ended, according to Michigan’s Vehicle Code. 

“These school zones and bus stops have not been active for the past couple of months. So, drivers will need to adjust their morning habits,” Woodland said. “Slow down and watch for young students near traffic lanes, because they may not be watching for you.”

What to do when a school bus stops 

Michigan law requires drivers to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red flashing lights and stop arms extended, whether they are behind the school bus or driving in the opposite direction. 

Even if a bus is stopped on a multi-lane street, drivers on either side of the road must stop until the road is clear and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

If a bus has stopped on a divided highway, drivers behind the bus must stop but drivers on the opposite side of the road don’t need to stop if there is a raised barrier separating the lanes. But, these motorists should still be cautious and watch for students getting on or off the bus. 

Students waiting at the bus stop should stay at least five steps away from the curb and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver says it's safe to board. 

Safety tips for pedestrians 

Sometimes pedestrians can be just as distracted as drivers, which can result in injury. Both pedestrians and drivers should be paying attention to traffic. 

AAA suggests pedestrians: 

• Avoid texting or wearing headphones 
• Use sidewalks or walk against traffic if there are no sidewalks
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street because they may not always see you. 

Cyclists should also practice safe habits like riding in the same direction as traffic, staying as far right as possible and crossing the street at intersections.