Opinion: People That Ignore School Bus Stop Signs Should Be Locked Up

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year on average 121 people are killed in school bus-related accidents

Recently, a West Michigan student could have become one of those victims after a driver never stopped for a school bus that had its red stop lights on and flashing.

Alana, who is a fifth grader at Washington Street Elementary in Otsego, was waiting at the end of her driveway with her dad when the school bus approached and turned on its stop sign and lights.

Alana's father, who was waiting in his car, noticed that a car was not slowing down and immediately started to pull into the road to try and get the approaching car's attention.

Alana stepped back from the road to avoid the oncoming car that slowed down but didn't stop and drove right past the school bus' flashing stop sign and lights.

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What Are You Supposed To Do When A School Bus Turns On Its Lights?

According to Michigan.Gov, school buses are like traffic signals.

• When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
• When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop
• When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

What Happens If You Pass A Stopped School Bus?

If you pass a stopped school bus you may be charged with civil infractions carrying a fine between $100 and $500.

You might also be required to perform up to 100 hours of community service at a school.

People That Ignore School Bus Stop Signs Should Be Locked Up

I that people who run school bus stop signs should face serious consequences.

If you're caught not stopping for a school bus when its lights are flashing. you should have your license temporarily suspended for three months.

Your car should also be impounded immediately.

You should also face the same kind of financial penalties that someone who is charged with a DUI might face.

If you think I'm going too far, how would you feel if you lost a son or a daughter to someone that purposely didn't stop when they knew a child could be crossing at any time?

Everyone's life could change in an instant, maybe a punishment this severe would make people think twice before they ignore a stopped school bus.

What do you think? Shoot me an email