As the school season kicks off, it’s not just the children who have to readjust to the routine. For drivers, it’s crucial to start paying attention to the speed limit in school zones, particularly when students are boarding or disembarking from school buses. The safety of our children is paramount, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that we’re doing our part to create a safe environment for them. So, let’s all be vigilant and cautious when driving through school zones.
Starting this year, Georgia has implemented a new state law that positions it among the two states with the most significant minimum fines for violating a school bus with its lights on.
The harsh penalty for passing a stopped school bus picking up or dropping off children is now included in Addy’s Law, which was named after 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce.
As the new school year begins in Muscogee county, it’s important to note that the fine for violating school zone camera laws has increased to over $750. With more cameras installed this year, it’s essential to be aware and cautious while driving near schools. Let’s make sure we keep our children safe by following all traffic laws in school zones.
Adam Jones, a parent in Muscogee County, warns against attempting to pass a school bus as it can result in receiving a ticket and, even worse, taking a life. “Don’t try to go pass a school bus because you will get a ticket, you’re going to be getting a ticket,” Jones emphasized.
If you find yourself becoming impatient while driving in school zones this year, it’s important to consider the consequences. Passing a stopped school bus while students are getting on or off is now considered a serious offense, punishable by a fine of at least $1,000 or up to one year in prison. This is classified as a high, aggravated misdemeanor, emphasizing the severity of the offense. It’s crucial to prioritize the safety of students and follow the rules of the road in school zones.
Addy’s Law, which is named after Adalynn Pierce, is responsible for the recent change. Adalynn was fatally struck by a vehicle as she disembarked from her school bus in Henry County, located outside of Atlanta.
Jesse Petrea, a House representative, supported the bill that would save lives.
Petrea (R) highlighted the tragic incidents where school busses were stopped and children lost their lives due to reckless driving. Referring to the bill named after a young lady, Petrea emphasized the need to address such incidents and prevent them from happening in the future.
Adam Jones, an Assistant Principal at Hannan Elementary School and a father of a child attending Clubview Elementary, is urging drivers to abide by the new state law.
According to him, if you are in a rush and have to wait for the children to get off the bus, it may take a minute. He emphasizes that if you are in such a hurry, you should be prepared to be a minute late.
Under Addy’s Law, it is mandatory for public school systems to give priority to bus routes that avoid situations where students have to cross roads with speed limits exceeding 40 miles per hour.
If multiple violations occur, the owner’s insurance carrier will receive the tag information, according to the bill.
Jones places a great deal of importance on the safety of children, both as a parent and as an administrator.
Jones emphasized that safety is the top priority for the school, as they have some students in their care for up to nine hours a day. This includes ensuring their safety during transportation to and from school, as well as while they are on campus.
To ensure the safety of children, Muscogee county has taken another significant step by installing 20 cameras in public school zones. These cameras will be operational in schools such as Rigdon Road Elementary, Waddell Elementary, and Blackmon Middle School.
According to the Columbus Police, the first phase of the initiative involves the installation of 20 cameras. Their ultimate aim is to have 40 cameras in total.
Towards the end of the last school year, the Brookstone School and St. Luke School installed speeding cameras that are now in operation.
Law enforcement states that the cameras remain active for an hour before school commences and an hour after school ends. As per the law, a portion of the speeding fines will be allocated to both law enforcement agencies and the school district.
Jones stressed the importance of being vigilant in school zones, stating that even a young student in K-5 could easily become distracted and accidentally run into the street while chasing something. “People need to be on guard and know that they’re in a school zone,” he emphasized.
