School Bus Safety
School Bus Safety Program in Burke County Public Schools
Keep Kids Safe: It's the Law in Georgia State
In 2023, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) released data from their annual national survey indicating that more than 43.5 million stop-arm violations occur annually in the United States. The BCPS School Bus Safety Program aims to reduce the illegal passing of school buses and improve student safety. To speak to a representative about a safety violation, contact the AlertBus Customer Contact Center at 1-877-504-7080.
Addy’s Law: Increased Fine for Violating School Bus Safety Laws Starting July 1, 2024
Addy's Law, named in memory of 8-year-old Adalynn Peirce, introduces significant measures to enhance school bus safety in Georgia. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in April 2024, mandates that school districts reassess bus routes where students must cross roadways with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or higher.
The law was prompted by a tragic incident in which Adalynn Peirce was fatally struck by a driver who illegally passed her school bus while she was boarding.
The new law addresses route safety and toughens penalties for such violations. Specifically, it increases the minimum fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus to $1,000.
When Should I Stop for a School Bus in Georgia?
- Two-lane roadway: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
- Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-lane roadway without a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
- Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane: When a school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
- Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.
What Happens If You Illegally Pass a Stopped School Bus in Burke County?
School Buses in BCPS are equipped with automated photo enforcement cameras on the side of school buses to capture violations and vehicle license plate numbers.
The violation is reviewed by law enforcement. Once approved, a notice of violation is sent to the registered vehicle owner by mail.
Starting July 1, 2024, a first-time violation carries a minimum penalty of $1,000. If witnessed by a stop-arm camera, the violation is a civil penalty and does not carry license points. However, under the new legislation, insurance companies must be notified in cases of a repeat offense.
In addition to the financial deterrent, violators learn about the potential dangers of their actions. Offenders can call the program's toll-free number at 1-800-852-7741 and speak with a representative who can review the video evidence and help them understand the dangers of illegal passing. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.
Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98% of first-time offenders do not receive a second ticket, and 95% of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation.
Program Overview: How It Works
The diagram above represents the camera systems used in our district.
Contact Information
Call the AlertBus Customer Contact Center toll-free support line at 1-800-852-7741 to speak to a representative about a stop-arm violation.
- English and Spanish-speaking customer service agents are available to address your inquiries.
- Please have your citation number ready when you call to expedite our service.
Online Access
To view the violation video evidence online or to pay a violation by credit card, visit www.alertbus.com and enter your citation number (example: GA-777777) and vehicle license plate number (no dashes or spaces), as listed on your citation.