As School Starts, THP Highlights Year-Round Work to Keep Students Safe on Buses

As students return to classrooms across the Volunteer State, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is reminding families that school safety is not limited to the first week of class. Troopers are working year-round to protect students both on the road and on school campuses.

“Parents deserve to know their child’s bus is safe before it ever leaves the lot,” said Col. Matt Perry, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “Our troopers take that responsibility seriously. Every inspection is about protecting lives.”

From August 2024 through June 2025, THP troopers inspected more than 15,000 school buses statewide and conducted more than 1,500 unannounced spot checks. These inspections catch mechanical problems and safety issues before buses ever hit the road.

Troopers often find issues like worn tires, malfunctioning lights, or emergency exits that won’t open. Any bus with a critical issue is taken out of service until it passes reinspection. These inspections apply to both county-owned and privately contracted buses, holding every vehicle to the same safety standards.

“Our goal is simple,” Col. Perry said. “Every child deserves a safe ride to school, a safe place to learn, and a safe ride home.”

In addition to bus safety, THP also monitors school zones to keep students safe outside the bus. During the 2024–2025 school year, troopers also focused on school zones and drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses. This type of violation puts children directly in harm’s way.

Tennessee recorded 576 crashes involving school buses in 2024. Of those, 558 happened in the afternoon, when buses are more likely to be carrying students.

Beyond the roads, THP troopers are also present in schools. Across the state, troopers check in on schools throughout the year, especially in areas with fewer school resource officers. These visits help create a visible safety presence and offer an added layer of deterrence.

THP also partners with school districts and bus drivers on ongoing training and education. Troopers help ensure drivers stay certified and are familiar with the latest safety protocols.