Introduction

This article examines Georgia statutes concerning school bus operations and student transportation safety in the context of boarding and alighting procedures.

Scenario

A school bus driver transports students home from a public school on Jeffersonville Road in Macon, Georgia. At a designated stop, the driver opens the door for students to exit. A student trips on the bus steps while exiting and falls onto the pavement, sustaining injuries. The bus was properly stopped with warning lights activated. Other students were pushing to exit at the same time.

Georgia Law

School Bus Safety Requirements

Georgia Code § 20-2-1125(a): “Each school bus operated for the transportation of public school students shall be constructed and equipped in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education. Such regulations shall meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to school buses.”

School Bus Driver Duties

Georgia Code § 20-2-1127: “All drivers of school buses which transport students to and from the public schools shall comply with all traffic laws relating to the operation of vehicles on the highways and with all regulations of the State Board of Education relating to the operation of school buses. No driver of a school bus which transports students to or from the public schools shall operate such bus in violation of such traffic laws or regulations.”

Sovereign Immunity

Georgia Code § 50-21-24(7): “The state waives its sovereign immunity for the torts of state officers and employees while acting within the scope of their official duties or employment and shall be liable for such torts in the same manner as a private individual or entity would be liable under like circumstances; provided, however, that the state’s sovereign immunity is waived subject to all exceptions and limitations in this article.”

General Duty of Care

Georgia Code § 51-1-2: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a student injured while exiting a school bus in Macon, Georgia. Georgia Code § 20-2-1125 addresses school bus safety requirements. Georgia Code § 20-2-1127 establishes driver duties. Georgia Code § 50-21-24 addresses sovereign immunity waivers. These statutes establish the framework for school bus driver liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 20-2-1125 require for school buses? A: Georgia Code § 20-2-1125(a) requires buses to “be constructed and equipped in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education” which “shall meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards.”

Q: What duties does Georgia Code § 20-2-1127 impose on drivers? A: Georgia Code § 20-2-1127 requires drivers to “comply with all traffic laws relating to the operation of vehicles on the highways and with all regulations of the State Board of Education.”

Q: When does Georgia waive sovereign immunity under Georgia Code § 50-21-24? A: Georgia Code § 50-21-24(7) waives immunity “for the torts of state officers and employees while acting within the scope of their official duties or employment.”

Q: Where are school transportation laws found in the Georgia Code? A: School transportation laws are found in Georgia Code Title 20, Chapter 2.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-1-2 apply to school bus drivers? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-2 states: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.