Every August, we recognize Back to School Safety Month at Jones & Swanson by reminding families across Georgia of the necessary practices to keep our kids safe during morning drop-offs, bus stops, and school zones. This year, Cobb County School District students returned to school on Monday, August 3, 2026, and the students in Bartow County School System and Cartersville City Schools started on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Why is August Back to School Safety Month?
With more buses on the road, more kids walking and biking to school, and chaotic mornings for everyone, the risk of a serious accident goes up. NHTSA data shows that over 1,000 people have died in school-transportation-related crashes in the last ten years, with 198 of those victims being children under the age of 18. Of the children killed in those crashes, most were riding in other vehicles or walking as pedestrians, not riding on a school bus.
School buses are one of the safest ways to get a child to school. The danger is outside the bus, such as when kids are crossing the street, waiting at the bus stop, or walking to school near busy roads.
Marietta and Cartersville School Start Dates for 2026
- Cobb County School District (Marietta): First day of school was Monday, August 3, 2026.
- Bartow County School System (Cartersville): First day of school was Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
- Cartersville City Schools: The first day of school was also on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
School Bus Safety Tips
For drivers:
- Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is about to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop.
- Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped to load or unload children. You must stop, no matter which direction you are traveling, unless you are on a highway separated by a median.
- Do not move again until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm folds back in, and the bus starts moving.
- Illegally passing a stopped school bus is against the law in Georgia and puts children in extreme danger due to blind spots for both the drivers and the children.
For parents:
- Have your child arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.
- Walk the route with your child before the school year gets going, and teach them to stand at least ten feet back from the curb.
- Remind your child never to walk behind the bus.
- Teach your child to use the handrail when boarding and exiting.
General Back to School Safety Tips
Walking-to-school safety:
- Teach kids to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Cross only at marked crosswalks.
- Walk with a group or an adult whenever possible.
Biking-to-school safety:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Bike on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals.
- Make sure bikes have reflectors and lights for misty or dawn bike rides.
Driving in school zones:
- Watch for flashing lights and reduced speed limit signs.
- Put the phone down.
- Watch for kids loading or unloading between cars.
When a School Zone Accident Leads to a Legal Claim
If you or your child are injured in a school zone crash, a bus stop accident, or a bicycle or pedestrian incident in Georgia, you have the right to file a claim and pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, contact Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation to see if you have a case.
FAQs
What Time Are School Zone Speed Limits Enforced?
School zone speed limits are enforced during arrival and dismissal times, generally the hour before school starts and the hour after it lets out, though the exact windows vary by school and are usually posted on the school zone signs. Many school zones use flashing yellow lights to indicate when the speed limit is reduced.
Speeding through a school zone, especially during arrival or dismissal, significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. If you are issued a ticket by a police officer, the fines increase significantly. Many school systems have speed cameras that automatically issue a speeding ticket to the driver if it registers a vehicle speeding more than 10 MPH over the reduced speed limit while the lights are flashing. These tickets include a $75 fine for the first offense and $125 for the second offense, with no points added to your license. Failure to pay these fines may block you from renewing your vehicle’s registration.
Is It Illegal to Pass a Stopped School Bus in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law requires drivers traveling in both directions to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, and the only exception is on a highway that is divided by a median.
In Georgia, illegally passing a stopped school bus results in a minimum fine of $1,000, up to 6 points on your license, and up to 12 months of possible jail time or probation. If the violation results in an injury, the driver may face a personal injury claim as well as potential criminal charges.
How Far Back Should My Child Stand From The Bus Stop Curb?
NHTSA recommends children wait at least ten feet, or about five giant steps, back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop.
What Should I Do If My Child Is Injured In A School Zone?
Get medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor, as some injuries do not show up immediately. Take photos of the scene if possible. Get contact information for any witnesses, and file a police report. Once your child is stable, contact Jones & Swanson to chat with an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options.
Is It Safe For My Kid To Walk Or Bike To School?
Walking and biking to school can be safe when kids understand the rules and drivers can easily see them. NHTSA recommends children look left, right, and left again before crossing any road, cross only on marked crosswalks, and walk or bike with a group when possible. Bike riders should wear a helmet at all times and ride in the same direction as traffic. Ensure your kids are highly visible by dressing in bright colors and/or attaching reflective gear or flashing lights to their backpacks.
Jones & Swanson Is A Personal Injury Law Firm Located In Marietta and Cartersville, Georgia. If You or Someone You Know Has Been Injured in a School Zone Accident, Seek Immediate Medical Assistance, Then Give Us A Call At (770) 270-3241 or Contact Us On Awjlaw.com for A Free Consultation To Find Out The Next Steps You May Want To Take.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Bus Accidents, Car Accident, Car Seat Safety, FAQ, Georgia Laws, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Safety Tips, Teen Driving
