Allegan County, MI – Drivers across Allegan County will see extra patrols next week as the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office joins Operation Safe Stop, a statewide campaign aimed at preventing school bus–related crashes and keeping students safe on their routes to and from school.
According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, October 2024 saw 153 school bus–related crashes in Michigan — the highest of any month that year. That statistic prompted law enforcement agencies to renew their focus on school bus stop violations, particularly motorists who illegally pass stopped buses with flashing red lights.
Officials say Operation Safe Stop carries a zero-tolerance message: anyone caught illegally passing a stopped school bus will receive a citation. Drivers are reminded to stop at least 20 feet away from a bus when its red lights are flashing, unless traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to slow down in school zones and residential areas, stay alert for crossing guards and children near bus stops, and obey all traffic signals around school buses.
The campaign emphasizes that “school buses are like traffic signals” — yellow lights mean prepare to stop, red means stop, and hazard lights mean proceed with caution.
Residents are encouraged to share safety reminders using #RedMeansStop and #SchoolBusSafety to spread awareness throughout their communities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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