Georgia has many traffic laws on the books that many drivers may be unaware of violating. One that everyone should know is that when a school bus stops and extends it’s arm and flashes the lights is that traffic must stop in both directions. The only exception to this is if the road is divided by a median, in which case, only traffic flowing in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Despite this law, many drivers fail to stop. Perhaps they believe that they can get away with the violation. However, drivers in certain metro areas and counties need to beware.
The fine for violating this traffic law is strict. The first offense can result in a $300 fine and six points on your license for every violation.
Still think that you can get away with it? Think again if you live in Clayton County, Cobb County, Decatur, Gwinnett County, Marietta, and Atlanta. These districts have installed cameras on school buses to catch violators. Fulton County recently approved a proposal to install similar cameras on their buses.
In Gwinnett County alone, this program has resulted in 23,307 citations and about $2 million in fines in 2015. Averaged out over a 10-month school year (August – June), this represents approximately 2,330 violations monthly. This staggering number alone shows the risk students riding the bus face from this traffic violation.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the “Strong Arm” attorneys at the law offices of John Foy & Associates. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.