Paulding Sheriff Turning Up Heat In School Zones

DALLAS, GA — With Paulding County students set to return to school on Wednesday, the sheriff's office is reminding motorists to stay alert when driving in school zones or around school buses.

In a statement shared on social media, Sheriff Gary Gulledge said deputies will be patroling school zones as part of their daily operations and will be watching for drivers that fail to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

Georgia law requires drivers to stop in both directions for school buses that are displaying their flashing red lights and have the stop arm activated. (The only exception is on controlled-access highways or when the highway is divided).

After stopping, drivers may proceed only after the school bus starts moving or the flashing red lights are no longer activated. A conviction for unlawfully passing a school bus carries six points on your driving record and a six-month suspension of your driver's license for drivers under age 21.

Paulding County Schools Calendar 2017-18

Drivers should also drive more carefully and leave more safe when traveling around a school bus — especially when following one.

"Drivers who are following school buses too closely are not prepared for the frequent stops made by the school bus," Gulledge said. "Drivers should always use extreme caution when following school buses and obey the posted speed limits in the school zones."

The majority of fatal crashes involving school buses have occurred when the school bus was struck by a smaller passenger vehicle, Gulledge said.

He also urged drivers to be alert for children waiting for the school bus, especially during early-morning hours when visibility is reduced.

"Children are not always aware of their surroundings or vehicles that may be passing by and the dangers that they pose," Gulledge said. "Drivers should be prepared to stop when approaching children that are waiting for a school bus."

Photo courtesy Paulding County Sheriff's Office