GEORGIA POLICE SAY-STAY SAFE, SAVE BIG BUCKS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY SAVE LIVES

Jacky Jaymes is training to be a school bus driver in Stephens County. That means he’s learning plenty of road rules and regulations. But one thing he didn’t know until today is the Move-Over Law. Since 2003, all drivers are required to move to another lane of traffic when they see these bright, flashing lights on the side of the road.

And Jacky’s not the only one in the dark when it comes to this law.

Steve LeCroy, a Stephens County resident, says, “No I didn’t know that. I thought it was just a good gesture.” Most of the people I talked to thought it was just common courtesy.

But the Georgia State Patrol says the law is necessary in order to save lives.

Anthony Coleman, Trooper First Class, adds, “This is designed to reduce the number of fatalities, emergency personnel, and also maintence workers. There has been an increasing number of injuries and fatalities.” Fifteen law enforcement officers died last year from careless motorists passing by.

That’s not the only number that you may find alarming.

Coleman says, “I did a case in Franklin County this month where a subject is charged with it and his fine was 300.” That’s the average fine in Northeast Georgia, but it could be as high as $500 if you’re caught. And that’s a number Jacky isn’t willing to pay, nor a chance he’s willing to take, especially with little ones on board.