We are gearing up for another school year. Soon, we will be cheering under the lights and supporting our local teams. We will need to be mindful about increased pedestrian traffic and the ever-present school busses. One thing that many may not realize is that there has been a significant change in Georgia law with regards to drivers stopping for school busses.

In years past, the law required that traffic stop in both directions when a school bus has stopped to on-load or off-load children, as indicated by the red lights on the bus flashing. The only exception was if the bus was stopped on a divided highway. A “divided highway”, meant the roadway must be separated with a physical barrier between the lanes traveling in opposite directions. Such barrier could be grass, concrete, or some other material.

Now, the law recognizes a turn lane as being sufficient to meet the definition of “divided highway.” That means if one is driving on Gillionville Road, Dawson Road, Newton Road, Philema Road, or any other road in which the lanes of travel in one direction are separated from the lanes of travel in the opposite direction by a turn lane only, drivers are not required to stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing if the bus is on the other side of the road.

Most school busses are equipped with cameras to record violators. Law enforcement can issue citations based on those recorded images. The citations don’t necessarily go to the driver, but rather to the vehicle owner.

Another new addition to the law pertains to school zones. You have probably seen those speed detection devices on the side of the roadway that alert you of your speed. Those devices may now be equipped with cameras to photograph vehicles that pass by travelling in excess of the posted speed limit. Law enforcement may now issue citations for violations photographed by speed detection devices in school zones.

Our children are precious. As the new school year begins, please be aware. Watch your surroundings and drive defensively. As always, if you have questions about these changes, or any other Georgia law, feel free to contact my office at 229-431-3259.