Addy’s Law Goes Into Effect in Georgia to Prevent School Bus Stop Arm Violations

On July 1, 2024, “Addy’s Law,” a new regulation addressing school bus stop arm violations, went into effect in Georgia. This law is named in memory of Adalyn Pierce, an 8-year-old who was struck and killed on February 1, 2024, in Henry County while crossing the road to board her school bus. The bus’s lights and stop arm were activated at the time of the accident, but 25-year-old Kaylee Andre ignored the warnings and passed the bus, resulting in Addy’s death.

Sheriff Darrell Dix stated, “Under Addy’s Law, school bus stop arm violations statewide are now classified as misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature. These include a minimum $1000.00 fine, the risk of up to 12 months in prison, or both. Subsequent violations will also allow the violator’s insurance company to be notified by law enforcement on top of the fines and penalties. As written, Addy’s Law covers both citations written by officers and civil citations issued by school bus stop arm camera systems.”

School systems across Georgia are taking steps in accordance with Addy’s Law to increase the safety of students who are getting on or off buses. With schools opening next week, officials are urging everyone to be mindful of the expected increase in traffic. Sheriff Dix added, “There will be increased vehicular and foot traffic as parents try to get their kids to school, buses run routes to pick up and drop off students, and other students walk to and from school or to bus stops. Slow down, use caution, and plan for possible delays.”