Adalynn Pierce was an eight-year-old girl from Henry County. Adalynn was killed when she crossed to catch her school bus. The 8-year-old girl was fatally struck by a car while trying to get on a school bus on Jackson Lake Road in Henry County on Feb. 1, 2024. Troopers reported that the bus had its red flashing lights activated and that stop signs were displayed on both the front and rear of the bus.
Legislation has just been signed that may reduce or eliminate such tragedies. “State Representative Lauren Daniel (R-Locust Grove) stood alongside Gov. Brian Kemp today as he signed House Bill 409, also known as Addy’s Law.” . Adalynn’s family, who attended the signing, “thanked Rep. Daniel for her tireless efforts in getting this law passed.”
The legislation is significant for the safety of Georgia’s school children. Rep. Daniel exclaimed that: “Today is an important day for Georgia as we work to keep our young students safe and honor the memory of a special little girl.” After thanking Governor Kemp and fellow lawmakers, Rep. Daniel elaborated: “Addy’s Law is a big step forward in our commitment to protecting children in Georgia. I hope this new law will prevent other families from going through the same pain that the Pierce family and our community experienced with Addy’s tragic and preventable loss.”
As reported, 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.
A violation of this law is considered a serious crime, with a fine of at least $1,000 and the possibility of spending at least 12 months in jail upon conviction. If someone commits this offense more than once, their car’s information will be sent to their insurance company.
Troopers identified the driver of the car as Kaylee Andre, 25. She was booked into the Henry County Jail on charges of first-degree vehicular homicide, failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading, and failure to exercise due care.