Cobb County Schools started back on Thursday, Aug. 1. This means every motorist must be alert for school buses and the children who board them. Georgia law changed on July 1 making illegally passing a stopped school bus a high and aggravated misdemeanor when stopped by a police officer punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. When the violation is caught by school bus-mounted cameras it is punishable by a civil fine of not less than $1,000.
Consider these reminders:
- Yellow flashing lights mean the school bus is slowing down and about to stop.
- Red flashing lights and the extended stop arm indicate children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus starts moving again before returning to their drive.
- Children alongside the road might dart into traffic without looking. Motorists are responsible for driving slowly, yielding to crossing children and coming to a complete stop to protect children on the roadway.
- Motorists should drive more slowly if they see children beside the road or a bus nearby.
- Please drive slowly in your neighborhoods as school buses conduct pick-ups and drops in subdivisions too.
- Remember to use your headlights if it is dark outside to ensure the visibility of pedestrians.
Please stay alert and keep everyone safe throughout the school year.
