Addy's Law: Bus Safety

As the new school year approaches, Effingham County School District is reminding motorists to take extra care when sharing the roads with school buses and to obey road safety traffic laws, particularly in light of tougher penalties now in effect for motorists who endanger students by failing to stop. 

 

Effective July 1st, drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses will face a minimum fine of $1,000 under new legislation signed by Governor Kemp in April 2024. House Bill 409, named Addy’s Law in memory of 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce, who tragically lost her life to a passing vehicle, also mandates a review of school bus routes on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or higher to bolster student safety.

 

"We urge all drivers to prioritize the safety of our students by stopping for school buses when their stop sign is out,” stated Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent at Effingham County School District. "Not only is this a legal requirement, but this law allows our children to board and travel to and from school in a safe manner.”

 

According to the district, local law enforcement issued almost 900 citations for illegally passing a stopped school bus during the 2023/2024 school year. Afternoon drop-offs were the most dangerous for students, with most instances occurring between 2 and 3 PM. 

 

In 2019, Effingham County School District partnered with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office to introduce automated stop-arm photo enforcement. This program uses AI-powered cameras to generate evidence packages that law enforcement can use to enforce laws against illegally passing school buses.

 

Effingham County School District urges all motorists to remain vigilant and patient during the back-to-school period, allowing ample time for buses to load and unload children safely. 

For more information on school bus safety and the new penalties, please visit www.effinghamschools.com/administrative-services/transportation