State troopers emphasize caution and awareness in school zones

ATLANTA — Now that the school year is back in session in Georgia, state troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers encourage motorists to drive with caution and pay attention to their surroundings when driving in or near a school zone.

AAA states approximately 1.7 million children will return to schools throughout Georgia this year, and 69% of Georgia drivers will commute daily, or regularly drive routes that take them through school zones and/or school bus stops. Nearly one-third of child pedestrian fatalities happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.- the critical after-school hours.

School zones are high-risk areas where children may dart out unexpectedly after exiting the school bus. Buses make frequent stops, and traffic patterns shift during school arrival and dismissal times. Drivers should remain attentive, slow down in reduced speed zones, and avoid distractions such as using cell phones.

When a school bus slows down or stops, drivers should not only watch the bus but also pay attention to the surrounding area. Children often wait several feet from the bus and may cross the street when getting on or off. It is critical to stop for school buses and never try to pass them.

“The school year is a time for students to learn, laugh, and prepare for their futures. They should not have to worry about being struck by distracted or reckless drivers,” states Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “When you drive distracted or speed in a school zone, you’re not just breaking the law; you’re risking a child’s life,” adds Commissioner Hitchens.

Illegally passing a school bus puts children and others on the road at serious risk. In every state, it’s against the law to pass a school bus when its stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests the following guidelines regarding school bus lights: 

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.

This year, state troopers and CVE officers participated in the AAA and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s "School's Open - Drive Carefully"campaign, July 23, through August 1. This proactive approach combines enforcement with education. Law enforcement will have an increased presence near schools and work with the community to educate and engage.