Bill Text: MI SR0107 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution commemorating the week of October 16-20, 2017, as Michigan School Bus Safety Week.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-10-19 - Adopted [SR0107 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SR0107-Introduced.html
Senator Emmons offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 107.
A resolution commemorating the week of October 16-20, 2017, as Michigan School Bus Safety Week.
Whereas, Riding on a school bus is arguably the most efficient and safest form 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 824 school bus fleets in the state of Michigan, ranging in size from 1 to 300 school buses. These fleets service both public and private schools, with the average size fleet being 18 buses; and
Whereas, 20,000 highly trained school bus drivers safely transport schoolchildren 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 nearly 17,000 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 636,000 early childhood, primary, and secondary students plus 36,000 special needs schoolchildren ride to and from school each day; and
Whereas, Nearly 900,000 miles are logged each day by school buses, with the average bus travelling between 72 miles and 136 miles a day, and between 13,000 and 25,000 miles each year; now, therefore, be it
Resolved the Senate, That we recognize the importance and good work of all involved in safely transporting children to and from school each day; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this legislative body designate the week of October 16-20, 2017, as Michigan School Bus Safety Week; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.
