It is that time of year again! School is back in session for Coweta County and most of Georgia. It is a good time to review bus safety, now that the large yellow buses are back! Bus safety in Georgia is taken very seriously. Here are some key points:
- Research shows that due to strict regulations, students are 70 times more likely to make it safely to school by taking the bus than traveling by car.
- Buses also decrease traffic and pollution.
- There are strict laws for the safety of bus passengers. For instance, drivers in both directions on a two-lane road and multi-lane road with a center turn lane must stop for a school bus that is picking up or dropping off kids.
- Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines up to a $1000, up to 6 points on a driving record, and other penalties.
- Under Addy’s Law, failure to stop for a bus could result in a fine of at least $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail or both.
The Georgia General Assembly passed Addy’s Law earlier this year in memory of Addy Pierce. Addy was an 8-year old that was hit and killed by a driver while trying to cross the road to get on her school bus in February. Governor Brian Kemp signed Addy’s law in the Spring and it went into effect July 1st. Among other things, the law increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Drivers now can face a fine up to $1000 and a year in jail.
As a reminder, here are the Georgia school bus traffic laws that are already in effect.
- On a two lane road, vehicles traveling in BOTH directions must stop.
- On a multi-lane road that is paved across, vehicles traveling in BOTH directions must stop.
- On a divided highway with dirt, grass or barrier median, vehicles behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction don’t have to stop, but must use caution.
For more information about best school bus safety practices and tips, you can visit the Georgia Department of Education website by clicking here. Safety is a shared responsibility, so it’s important for everyone to be vigilant and aware of these laws. Stay safe.
Cover Photo of the School Bus generated by AI Text to Image using Adobe Express.