STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A group of elementary school students are asking for its community's help so kids don't get run over.
It's a little blunt, but it's the reason the Sterling Heights Police Department teamed up with local children to make a music video.
October is National School Bus Safety Month and police said drivers going around school buses dropping off children is an ongoing problem. They're optimistic that if the message came from someone younger, drivers might pay attention.
Sgt. Aaron Susalla said he is expecting a little bit of teasing for his part in the video, but it's for a good cause.
"Hit the Brakes" was released Thursday on the Sterling Heights Police Department's official Facebook page. It can be seen below.
Susalla said the number of tickets police issue hasn't stopped people from driving around the school busses.
The music video put together is urging residents to hit the brakes and not pass any school buses when its red lights are flashing, but bus drivers say it happens every day.
Michigan Vehicle Code 257.682 states drivers are required to stop when on the same road as a bus with flashing red lights, unless there's a boulevard or a physical barrier between the driver and the school bus.
More information on school bus safety can be found on the Office of Safety Planning page of Michigan.gov here.
October is National School Bus Safety Month and we strummed up some creative ideas until we were able to pick the perfect one! We couldn’t think of a better way to spread this school bus cheer than singing loud for all to hear. So, Sergeant Susalla wrote his own lyrics which we hope will echo through the motorist’s eardrums while driving by our bus stops reminding them to “Hit The Brakes”! This project was a group effort and we partnered with SHTV, Sterling Heights Community Relations, and the Utica Community School system which includes the backup vocalists from Browning Elementary. We also have to thank Hanzie Records for keeping Sergeant Susalla in tune! Now, we are just wondering why you are still reading and not enjoying this breakthrough performance! #nationalschoolbussafetymonth #communitypolicing #elementaryschool #music
Posted by Sterling Heights Police Department on Wednesday, October 2, 2019