School only started a few weeks ago, and there’s been a fatality involving a school bus.
According to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, an Augusta man was riding on a dirt bike behind a school bus when he attempted to pass as the bus turned left onto Kenny Road in Augusta. The driver was killed instantly and pronounced dead on the scene on Monday at 6:40 p.m.
The Richmond County Sheriff Office sent out an email at the beginning of the month reminding drivers the school bus traffic laws.
“As the start of the new school year is about to begin, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Traffic Division would like remind the driving public of what to do when they approach a school bus that is stopped to pick up students on different types of roadways,” an email statement from Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sgt. Caleb Lee said.
There are a few different rules for different types of roadways according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division.
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If a bus is stopped on a two-lane road, vehicles traveling both directions must stop.
If a bus is stopped on a multi-lane highway road with no median, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
If a bus is stopped on a divided multi-lane highway with dirt, grass or a barrier median, vehicles behind the bus must stop. The opposite direction vehicles must travel using caution.
Driving with caution in a school zone is also important. According to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Major Steve Morris fines for speeding in a school zone can be upwards of $1,000 and more.
Speeding 11-14 mph over the speed limit in a school zone is a fine of $146, 15-19 is 181$, 20-24 is 216$, 25-34 is 408$ and 35 and over is $1,321.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
