Attorney urges drivers to know school bus stop laws as classes resume

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Attorney Lindsey Corbin with the Farah & Farah Law Firm is promoting a campaign called “Respect the Stop” as schools return to session and more buses and children are on the roads.

Stop arm and flashers

Corbin said school buses have safety features including a stop arm and flashing lights. When the stop arm extends with red flashers, drivers following the bus in the same lane of travel must stop. Yellow flashers mean drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop.

Rules for multi-lane roads

Corbin said confusion often arises on multi-lane roadways with two-way traffic. She said there are three exceptions where drivers going the opposite direction do not need to stop: a grass median, a physical barrier, or an unpaved median.

Corbin said a common mistake involves center turn lanes that are only painted. In that case, drivers on both sides of the roadway are still legally required to stop.

Corbin recommended drivers maintain a safe following distance behind school buses so they can stop in time if a child runs into the road.

Penalties for violations

Corbin said violating the stop-the-bus law can result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or a misdemeanor charge with up to a year in jail, or both.

Divided highways and rural roads

Corbin said the firm covers 21 counties in Georgia and South Carolina, including many rural roads and divided highways. She said the same rule applies: if there is a physical barrier, grass median or unpaved median, drivers do not need to stop. If the divider is painted only, drivers on both sides must stop.

Corbin also recommended drivers use a four-second following distance rule, picking a fixed object and counting four seconds to maintain a safe following distance behind buses.

Corbin said the firm’s goal with the campaign is to prevent injuries and deaths involving children and school buses.