October 17-21, 2022: School Bus Safety Week

WHEREAS, riding on a school bus is the most efficient and safest forms of transportation for schoolchildren as they are transported to and from school or school-related events; and,

WHEREAS, one school bus replaces 44 automobiles on the highway reducing crashes, air pollution, and fuel consumption; and,

WHEREAS, studies indicate schoolchildren are 9 times more likely to be fatally or seriously injured while riding with an adult and 44 times more likely to be fatally or seriously injured when riding with a teenager to or from school than riding on a school bus; and,

WHEREAS, there are 820 school bus fleets in the state of Michigan, ranging in size from 1 to 1,255 school buses.  These fleets service both public and private schools, with the average size fleet being 20 buses; and,

WHEREAS, 18,500 highly trained school bus drivers safely transport school children on a daily basis.  These drivers undergo basic and advanced driver training, performance testing, fingerprinting, continuous driver record and criminal background checks, random alcohol & drug testing, and biennial medical examinations; and,

WHEREAS, there are 16,803 school buses in service across our state, and all school buses must follow a rigorous local maintenance program and an annual Michigan State Police 190-point performance and safety inspection; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan law requires motorists to prepare to stop when a school bus displays its overhead alternately flashing amber lights and to stop when a school bus displays its overhead alternately flashing red lights.  Further, when a school bus displays its hazard amber flashing lights, a motorist should proceed slowly and with caution while passing; and,

WHEREAS, approximately 533,106 early childhood, primary, and secondary students plus 38,260 special needs schoolchildren ride on a school bus to and from school each day; and,

WHEREAS, approximately 653,301 miles are logged each day by school buses, with the average bus travelling between 47 miles and 73 miles a day, and between 8,504 and 13,079 miles each year;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 17-21, 2022, as School Bus Safety Week in Michigan.