Cobb County Schools start back Thursday, Aug. 1. This means every motorist must be alert for school buses and the children who board them. Georgia law changed on July 1 making illegally passing a stopped school bus a high and aggravated misdemeanor when stopped by a police officer punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. When the violation is caught by school bus-mounted cameras it is punishable by a civil fine of not less than $1,000.    
 
Consider these reminders:

• Yellow flashing lights mean the school bus is slowing down and about to stop.
• Red flashing lights and the extended stop arm mean children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus. They must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus starts moving again before they return to their drive.
• Children alongside the road might dart into traffic without looking. Motorists are responsible for watching out for them and preparing for an emergency stop.
• Motorists should drive more slowly if they see children beside the road or a bus nearby.