LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Besides back to school supplies and new teacher assignments, the journey back to school may take longer in some places after new speed zones were announced before the 2023 school year.
“The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is implementing a new school speed zone on eastbound I-69 Business Loop (BL) (Saginaw Street) and westbound I-69 BL (Grand River Avenue) near Pattengill Elementary School, Eastern High School, and Lansing Catholic High School,” the Michigan Department of Transportation officials said in a statement.
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As a result of the new speed zone, the speed limit will be adjusted to 25 miles per hour during the times indicated on the signs, lowering the speed limits during school activities before the school day begins and after the school day finishes.
According to MDOT, the traffic will be affected in the area mostly between 7:10 – 7:40 a.m. and 2:35 – 3:05 p.m. time slots.
“The school speed zone will be implemented at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year,” MDOT officials said.
Michigan Auto Law reminds Michigan drivers that the school zone is not just the school grounds, but extends farther.
“A “school zone” includes the property on which the school building is located and 1,000 feet from the school property line in any direction,” according to Steven Gursten, lawyer for Michigan Auto Law.
The cost of speeding in a school zone also likely outweighs the prospect of arriving at school on time.
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“Normally, the fine for speeding is a $100,” according to Gursten who cited MCL 257.907(2)(a). “However, the fine for speeding in a school zone is doubled to $200. A “moving violation” such as this offense “is subject to a fine that is double the fine otherwise prescribed for that moving violation.”
In addition to speed laws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also warns parents to teach their children safe conduct with bus travel encouraging children to obey the SAFE strategy.
“Stay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb.
Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.”
According to the NHTSA, there are many benefits to school buses as the “most regulated vehicles on the road,” the vehicles are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries.
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