HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — The beginning of a new school year brings a new effort to protect children as they catch their ride to school.
Addy’s Law is designed to avoid tragedies like the one that took the life of 8-year-old Addy Pierce, who died earlier this year while crossing the street to her school bus.
Alexa Wright is the loved one who started the petition that led to the new law.
“She was the best there was,” said Wright. “Nobody else like her. She loved Jesus. That’s what brings me comfort knowing she’s ok. She’s with Jesus. She doesn’t have to suffer.”
For Alexa, the loss of the young girl she called her sister produced grief that turned into determination.
The flashing lights of her school bus protected third grader Addy Pierce as she crossed the street to catch her bus to Rock Springs Elementary School in Henry County. An oncoming driver ignored the bright, flashing red, ordering her to stop.
Almost immediately after Addy’s death, Wright created a petition demanding change. The result is Addy’s Law.
“It doesn’t bring her back, but it’s something that honors her,” said Wright. It prevents accidents like that from happening to anyone else’s child.”
Addy’s Law requires school districts to avoid situations where students have to cross a roadway where the speed limit is above 40 miles an hour. Instead, districts must design routes so that buses meet students on their side of the street.
It also increases fines for drivers who ignore those flashing red lights from $250 to $1,000.
Alexa Wright wasn’t alone in her fight for change.
“I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t have her,” said Wright, referring to Addy. “I feel like she’s proud.”
Wright said that Addy had already saved one life. After her death, the 8-year-old’s heart was donated to another child in need of a transplant. The grieving family of a young girl who tragically lost her life after being hit by a car while attempting to board her school bus is channeling their pain into a mission.
Adalynn Pierce, 8 years old, died from her injuries following the Henry County crash.
Sheriff Garry Long described her as an angel sent to earth who touched the lives of many.
On Monday, 25-year-old Kaylee Andre will be in court to face first-degree vehicular homicide charges.
She's accused of hitting and killing 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce when she was walking across a two-lane street to get on the bus in Henry County. Troopers said the bus was stopped with red flashing lights, and its stop sign was activated at the front and rear.
