State Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) introduced legislation on Wednesday that would strengthen Michigan’s school bus safety regulations and provide some much-needed clarity to the law. Paquette’s House Bill 4214 would clearly define driver responsibilities based on the flashing lights on a school bus, creating a safer climate for school bus transportation and better protecting kids exiting and entering their buses.

“Our current law’s omission of how to handle a school bus’s yellow flashing lights has caused confusion, resulting in drivers behaving inconsistently when navigating school bus safety zones,” Paquette said. “These confusing scenarios create a dangerous environment for both drivers, student passengers, and crossing guards. This is an area where the policy makers should step in and provide some much-needed clarity.”

Paquette’s proposal would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to add instructions for drivers when a school bus displays yellow flashing lights, provisions that Michigan statute currently lacks. When red lights are visible, drivers must come to a complete stop at least 20 feet from the school bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or turns off its signals. When yellow lights are visible, drivers must come to a complete stop also 20 feet away if it can be done safely. If stopping safely is not possible, drivers must reduce speed and pass with caution. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.