Mount Clemens, MI – Law enforcement agencies across Michigan, including the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, are increasing patrols this week as part of “Operation Safe Stop,” a statewide enforcement effort targeting drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
The campaign runs October 20–24 during School Bus Safety Week and aims to reduce crashes and injuries involving students boarding or exiting buses. Officers will work alongside school districts to educate drivers and issue citations to violators.
According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC), there were 1,044 school bus-related crashes in 2024, including four fatalities—none of which occurred on buses. Of those, 54 crashes happened at bus stops with lights activated, resulting in one death and 26 injuries.
“When drivers ignore the flashing lights or stop arm of a bus, they are putting a student’s life in danger,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Operation Safe Stop helps keep students safe and reminds drivers how to share the road responsibly.”
Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a bus when overhead red lights are flashing. Those who violate the law face penalties ranging from a $500 fine to felony charges with fines up to $7,500 and 15 years in jail if a crash causes a death.
Officials note most school bus-related crashes occur between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with October historically seeing the highest number of incidents statewide.
For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/SchoolBusSafety.
