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West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
Tuesday is the first day back to classes for the majority of secondary and elementary schools in the area. Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole is reminding motorists to be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists and also to be aware of school buses.
“Flashing red lights on school buses mean stop,” Sheriff Cole said. “Traffic must stop from both directions, including traffic on the US 10 five-lane corridor. This isn’t a suggestion, it is the law.”
When the yellow lights on a school bus begin flashing, motorists need to prepare to stop. When the red lights flash, vehicles must stop no closer than 20 feet, from either direction, from the bus. When the lights turn off, traffic can resume. When a bus’s yellow hazard lights are flashing motorists should proceed with caution.
“Deputies will be looking for violators,” Cole warned. “We take the safety of our kids very seriously in Mason County.” Cole also said motorists need to be aware of kids walking along roads and streets. “Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing the street with traffic. If you are turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing that street, you need to stop and let them cross.”
The sheriff also warns motorists that Michigan now has a hands-free mobile phone law, meaning that it is illegal for motorists to be touching their phone while driving.
“It’s bad enough that phones cause a distraction. Starting Tuesday, motorists need to pay extra attention to the road because of kids walking and riding bikes to school.”
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