AAA and Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Send Bus Safety Message

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2005 -- 'Stop' means 'stop,' especially when it comes to school buses, say AAA and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT). Just in time for National School Bus Safety and Awareness Week, the two organizations have created three new public service announcements on the school bus stop law, which were distributed to Michigan network TV and cable stations in late August.

With the theme, "I am the future, help keep me safe," the PSAs were recorded in 15-, 30- and 60-second formats, and help drivers become more familiar with the flashing light system that is used when loading or unloading students.

"The message we're trying to get across is very simple -- the law requires motorists to stop when the overhead red lights of a school bus are flashing," says Louk Markham, of Portage Schools and past President of the MAPT. "The law applies to drivers on both sides of the road, unless the highway is divided by a barrier."

According to MAPT, on an average day in Michigan, 18,000 buses transport 860,000 students to and from school. Michigan averages three fatalities per year due to school transportation-related crashes.

AAA Michigan commends all school bus drivers for their daily commitment to safety. "Due to their conscientious efforts, school buses remain the safest mode of transportation to and from school," says Richard J. Miller, Community Safety Services Manager for AAA Michigan. "The motoring public can also contribute to the safety of our children by obeying Michigan's school bus stop laws."

Nationwide, since 1993, 191 school-age pedestrians have died in school transportation-related crashes. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) were killed by school buses, 31 percent by other vehicles involved in the crashes and 4 percent by vehicles functioning as school buses.

AAA and MAPT urge motorists to follow these bus safety tips:

* When yellow lights are blinking low, you may pass the bus but please go slow.

* When yellow lights are flashing on top, please prepare to stop.

* When red lights are flashing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus and remain stopped until the red light stops flashing.

* A school bus may also have a stop sign that extends from the side of the bus.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Oct. 16-23 is National School Bus Safety and Awareness Week