As students across Tennessee head back to their classrooms, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is emphasizing that ensuring school safety is a year-round commitment, not just a priority during the initial days of the academic year. The THP is actively engaged in protecting students both on the road and within school environments throughout the entire school year.
From August 2024 to June 2025, the THP has undertaken an extensive program, conducting over 15,000 inspections of school buses statewide. In addition to these routine checks, more than 1,500 surprise inspections have been carried out. The primary goal of these inspections is to detect any mechanical or safety concerns—such as worn tires, malfunctioning lights, or issues with emergency exits—before the buses embark on their routes. Should any bus be found with a serious safety concern, it is immediately taken out of service until it successfully passes a follow-up inspection. This rigorous safety protocol applies equally to both county-operated and privately contracted buses.
Moreover, the THP places a strong emphasis on monitoring school zones and strictly enforcing laws against the illegal passing of stopped school buses. This particular violation poses a significant danger to children. In the year 2024, Tennessee recorded 576 incidents involving school buses, with a staggering 558 of those occurring in the afternoon hours when buses are most likely to be transporting students.
In addition to their efforts on the roads, THP troopers also maintain a visible presence within schools. They make regular visits, particularly in areas where there are fewer school resource officers, to bolster safety and visibility on campuses. Furthermore, the THP collaborates closely with school districts and bus drivers to provide training and certification, ensuring that drivers are well-informed about the latest safety protocols.
The overarching aim of these initiatives is clear: to guarantee that students have a safe journey to school, a secure environment for learning, and a safe return home at the end of the day.