Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety stresses bus safety

"If you see a yellow school bus, I mean we see how bright they are, go ahead and slow down, prepare to stop, put your phone down."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Summer break is over for some Middle Georgia students, with others headed back to class next week. With school back in session, school buses are back on the road.

That’s why the Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Roger Hayes, is reminding drivers to pay attention on the roads.

“If you see a yellow school bus, I mean we see how bright they are, go ahead and slow down, prepare to stop, put your phone down. And that’s I any situation, and be aware of when you have to stop”, he said.

Hayes explains the rules drivers must follow when approaching a school bus that has its lights on and stop arm extended. 

“If you’re on a single- or two-way highway, and your behind or approaching a bus, and their lights are out you must stop. If you’re on a four line, that’s got a center turn lane you must stop both ways as well. If you’re on a highway that’s divided, and your behind you must stop. On the other side you don’t have to, you can proceed on…so, just know when to stop and slow down”, said Hayes.

According to AAA Director of Public Affairs Garrett Townsend, about 70% of people commute through a school zone each day and shares why they host the “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign.

“It affects the majority of owners. And it’s so important, because those lives are so important,” exclaimed Townsend. “We want them to have a happy and safe school year. It’s so important we talk about these dangers before schools are back in session”.  

He says this campaign helps drivers pay more attention to their surroundings as students head back to class. 

“A child is struck by a motor vehicle or on the way to school or coming back, they are in a situation where there injured. At worse fatality, so this is an awareness campaign, but it’s also an educational campaign as well”, said Townsend.   

Law enforcement also want drivers to be aware that if you’re convicted of illegally passing a school bus, you will face up to $1,000 fine or up to 12 months in jail under Addy’s Law that was enacted last year.