SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As the back-to-school season arrives, approximately 2 million children across Georgia are getting ready to return to classrooms, making safety a primary focus. Prior to the first day of school, AAA and local authorities are emphasizing the need for drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant.

As classes resume next Monday, there’s an increase in children walking, biking, and catching buses, a period during which most child pedestrian accidents occur on school weekdays, either just before or after classes. Consequently, AAA is prioritizing the safety of children traveling to school.

AAA, collaborating with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) and local law enforcement, is reviving the “School’s open, drive carefully” campaign. This initiative aims to minimize speeding, distractions, and reckless driving within school zones.

A survey indicates that 41% of Georgians speed and 28% use their phones in active school zones. To combat this, Chatham County will reactivate school zone speed cameras on August 4. The initiative also emphasizes ‘Addy’s Law,’ imposing a $1,000 fine and potential jail time on drivers who illegally overtake stationary school buses.

SCCPSS stated, “Our primary commitment is to the safety of our staff and students, both during school hours and while commuting. Annual campaign reminders for drivers are invaluable in helping us meet this objective.”

In the past year, over 31,000 speeding infractions were logged, though officials report that these figures have dropped by over 90% since the cameras’ introduction in 2021.

On average, 173 drivers sped through the Chatham school zones every day last year.

Back-to-School Safety Stats & Reminders:

• 41% of Georgia drivers admit to speeding in active school zones
• $1,000+ fine for passing a stopped school bus
• School zone speed cameras reactivating August 4
• 31,154 violations caught by Chatham County school zone cameras last year
• 90% drop in school zone speeding since cameras launched in 2021

In 2023, 63% of child pedestrian deaths happened during the school week. That’s a statistic AAA and Georgia schools are determined to change. The school zone cameras that will reactivate on August 4th target drivers going 11mph above the limit.

AAA’s campaign, which has been running since 1946, focuses on life-saving tips, like coming to a full stop at crosswalks, checking for children before reversing, and eliminating distractions. Meanwhile, safety patrollers and school officials will be stepping up efforts to educate parents and students on crossing rules and drop-off safety. The overall goal is to prevent tragedy before it strikes.