Shelby County, Tennessee, August 12, 2025
News Summary
As students head back to school, the Tennessee Highway Patrol has increased monitoring of school bus routes in Shelby County. This initiative aims to enhance student safety and compliance with school bus safety regulations. The THP has reported several violations in recent patrols, prompting officials to remind drivers of their responsibilities when sharing the road with school buses. Ongoing efforts will focus on educating drivers and enforcing traffic laws to minimize accidents and ensure the safe transportation of students.
Memphis – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has ramped up monitoring of school bus routes in Shelby County as students head back to school. This initiative aims to enhance student safety, which is a top priority for parents and teachers alike. With the resumption of classes after a long break, THP is actively enforcing school bus safety regulations to ensure that all road users remain vigilant.
Throughout the academic year, school buses in Shelby County make thousands of trips, transporting students from kindergarten through high school. However, THP officials have reported that some drivers seem to have forgotten how to safely share the road with school buses. Sgt. Jena Eubanks of THP highlighted that safety concerns arise primarily when students are boarding or disembarking from buses, and it is crucial for drivers to be aware of their responsibilities.
According to the THP, failing to stop for a school bus can have severe consequences, including the possibility of injuring a child. During recent patrols, officers observed various violations, including issuing two speeding tickets and stopping a driver who failed to yield to a bus picking up students. These incidents underscore the importance of obeying the rules surrounding school bus safety.
One significant issue identified by THP is the misunderstanding among many drivers regarding stopping rules for school buses, especially on multi-lane roads that lack a median. Awareness of these rules is essential as they are designed to protect young passengers as they enter and exit their buses.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported alarming statistics concerning school bus-related incidents. Between 2014 and 2023, 34% of individuals injured in such incidents were passengers aboard the bus. This statistic acts as a critical reminder for drivers to prioritize safety and caution in school zones.
The THP’s efforts will continue throughout the school year to address these safety issues and work towards minimizing accidents involving school buses. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and remain alert when approaching school buses, as children can unexpectedly enter roadways at any moment.
Background on School Bus Safety
School buses serve as a vital mode of transportation for students across various regions. With tens of millions of children riding the bus daily in the United States, their safety is paramount. School bus accidents can lead to tragic consequences, making it crucial for drivers and traffic enforcement bodies to educate and enforce rules consistently.
With the start of the school year, new precautions and safety measures are introduced to protect young riders. By increasing enforcement of existing traffic laws concerning school buses, THP aims to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that children travel to and from school safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules regarding stopping for school buses?
Drivers must stop for school buses that have their stop signs extended and flashing lights activated, regardless of the direction they are coming from, especially on roads without a median.
What are the consequences of failing to stop for a school bus?
Failing to stop can lead to severe penalties, including tickets and possible jail time, especially if it results in injuring a child.
How can drivers stay safe around school buses?
Drivers should remain alert, reduce speed when near school buses, and be prepared to stop, as students may unexpectedly cross the road.
What is the role of the Tennessee Highway Patrol regarding school bus safety?
The Tennessee Highway Patrol monitors school bus routes, enforces traffic laws, and promotes awareness about school bus safety throughout the school year.
Key Features of the School Bus Safety Enforcement Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Patrols | THP has boosted monitoring to ensure compliance with school bus safety regulations. |
| Safety Education | Awareness campaigns are in place to educate drivers about rules when encountering school buses. |
| Real-time Enforcement | Troopers issue tickets for violations observed during patrols. |
| Focus on Multi-lane Roads | Caution is encouraged, especially on roads without a median where stopping rules may be overlooked. |
| Statistics Monitoring | THP tracks accidents and injuries related to school buses to identify trends and improve safety measures. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Residents Protest Proposed Jail in New Chicago Neighborhood
New Grant Program to Preserve Historic Black Churches in Memphis
Warm Weather Expected in Memphis This Weekend
Memphis Schools Face Teacher Shortages as New Academic Year Begins
Memphis Schools Adopt New Cellphone Policy
Memphis Man Arrested for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Videos
Memphis Enjoys Cooler Weather, Promotes Outdoor Activities
Teenager Injured in Memphis Shooting Incident
Four Arrested in Major Drug and Firearm Bust in Memphis
Memphis Girl Critically Injured in Gun Violence Incident
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: THP Enforces School Bus Safety
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- Fox 13 Memphis: School Bus Driver Investigation
- Google Search: School Bus Safety Enforcement
- Fox 13 Memphis: Bus Tracking Apps for Parents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus
- Fox 13 Memphis: A/C Issues in Schools
- Google News: School Bus Safety Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
