Addy’s Law enforces stricter penalties for illegally passing Georgia school buses

New law named after Adalynn Pierce aims to curb illegal school bus passing and improve student safety across Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Addy’s Law is now in effect across the state of Georgia, making the consequences for illegally passing school buses more severe.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, school buses are illegally passed 9,000 times a day across the state. The law, named after 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce who was hit and killed trying to get on a bus in Henry County in February, increases the fine for illegally passing a school bus to a minimum of $1,000. Previously, the maximum fine was $250. Breaking the law could also leave drivers facing up to a year in jail.

“To make sure that children can get on the bus or get off the bus and get home safely, that’s the goal,”Communications Director for the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Robert Hydrick said. “And it takes a team effort. We’re just asking everyone to help us reach that goal of zero traffic deaths.”

Curtis Adams, the Chief of Police for the Bibb County School District, says distracted driving is the biggest threat to school bus safety in the community.

“You should be able to see that big yellow bus,” Adams said.”You should be able to see the lights that come on from the buses. You should be able to see the arms that’s being stretched out to protect the kids. You should be able to see that, but unfortunately, if you’re distracted, then you can’t see it.”

Adams leaves drivers with one last piece of advice as Bibb County students prepare to return next week.

“Just pay attention and understand that these children are valuable assets to us,” Adams said.