SR107, As Adopted by Senate, October 19, 2017

 

 

            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, There are 20,000 highly trained school bus driverswho  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 and 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 by 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.