ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Driver Services is urging drivers to be more alert on the road with school back in session to ensure safety for students and drivers.
According to DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore, drivers need to practice back-to-school safety on the road, especially when approaching or following school buses.
Safety is even more important with the back-to-school season impacting traffic congestion, DDS said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
While driving toward a school bus, or behind one, drivers are required to stop when the bus has its lights flashing and it is loading or unloading passengers.
The only exception, according to DDS, is on Georgia highways where there is a separation in the center from median strips. In areas with medians, the vehicles driving behind school buses, or next to them, are the only ones that have to stop when the lights are on.
“Back to school brings extra traffic congestion on the roads, so please allow extra time to get to your destination. It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when children and school buses are present, especially before and after school,” Moore said in a statement.
TRENDING STORIES:
- LIVE UPDATES: Severe storms move into metro Atlanta, north Georgia
- Inmate dies at Fulton County Jail, sheriff’s office says
- Pounds of marijuana, firearms, THC gummies, mushrooms seized in Henry County bust
DDS is also warning drivers that moving too soon after a bus’s lights come on or while passengers are getting on or off the bus can come with consequences.
If you drive while warning signals or on, or people are not clear of the roadway as the bus loads or unloads, you can get citations. If convicted fo failing to stop for a school bus, drivers will get six points added to their driving record.
DDS said drivers who get too many points can have their driver’s licenses suspended.
“DDS is authorized to suspend a license if its records or other evidence shows that a driver has accumulated fifteen (15) points within twenty-four (24) months under the point system, including violations committed out of state,” the department said.
Officials also urged drivers to be careful when traveling next to or behind school buses, particularly in residential areas or school districts where the buses are likely to be loading or unloading passengers.
DDS said drivers should stay alert for school children walking along the road, crossing the road, or walking on the side of the road for the bus. Children’s safety is the priority in the area, even over the signals on the bus.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
OTHER NEWS:
©2023 Cox Media Group
