School Zones, Bus Stops and E-Bikes: AAA Urges Caution as Classes Resume
By Montrae Waiters, Spokesperson for GA AAA – The Auto Club Group
With more than 1.7 million children returning to classrooms across Georgia, AAA is calling on drivers to stay alert and exercise extra caution in neighborhoods and school zones.
During the critical hours before and after school, all drivers are urged to reduce speeds, avoid distractions, and remain vigilant for pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64 percent of child pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts) were struck during weekdays (6 a.m. Monday to 6:00 p.m. Friday).
Afternoon hours following the school day are particularly dangerous, with children being especially vulnerable as they walk through residential areas and near school grounds.
AAA offers essential traffic safety tips for keeping kids safe:
Slow down and obey all posted school zone speed limits
Eliminate distractions and keep phones out of reach
Watch carefully for crossing guards and follow their directions
Be prepared to stop suddenly near schools and playgrounds
Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing through school areas
Bus Stop Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm
Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and children are safely cleared from the area
Watch for students crossing in front of the bus
Slow down near bus stops, even when buses are not present
E-Bikes and E-Scooters Present New Safety Challenges as School Begins
And to add to the hustle and bustle of the start of a new school year, motorists will have one more vehicle to be aware of – e-bikes and e-scooters.
As students head back to school, e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in school zones and neighborhoods.
However, their higher speeds create new safety concerns for riders, pedestrians, and drivers.
AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps families understand safe riding practices, helmet use, and the rules of the road.
AAA encourages parents to:
Know the device’s speed and features
Choose age-appropriate devices
Require a properly fitted helmet
Set clear riding rules
Review local laws before riding
Parents can learn more about e-bikes and e-scooters by downloading and reviewing AAA’s free e-ridereadysafetyguide