Addy’s law is now in effect

PRESS RELEASE – Addy’s Law is now in effect as of July 1st.

Adalynn Pierce was an eight-year-old girl from Henry County who tragically lost her life while crossing the road to catch her school bus on Feb. 1, 2024.

As a result of a combined effort from her family and lawmakers, harsher consequences will be enforced for those that do not obey laws pertaining to school busses.

Addy’s Law requires public schools to plan bus routes that avoid having students cross roads where the speed limit is higher than 40 miles per hour.

The law also makes the consequences harsher for drivers who pass a stopped school bus when children are getting on or off.

Under the new law, this violation is now classified as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

The fines have increased to a minimum of $1,000, and offenders still face up to 12 months in jail. Additionally, drivers will incur six points on their license for this violation.

Safety Reminders for Motorists
• The overall best practice is to “always stop if there’s a school bus.”
• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
• Motorists may begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move.
• Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.
• The greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a school bus, but approaching or leaving one. That’s why, as a vehicle driver, it is especially important to pay attention. Students’ lives are on the line.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
• Don’t drive distracted. Be alert. Children arriving for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Watch out for young people who may be distracted and not paying attention to the traffic around them.