For Immediate Release: October 21, 2024

HCSO Recognizes National School Bus Safety Week - October 21st-25th

Sheriff Austin Garrett Urges Drivers to Stop Illegal School Bus Passing

Hamilton County, TN — National School Bus Safety Week is October 21-25, 2024. In recognition of this initiative, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office urges drivers to be vigilant around school buses and always stop for buses when the stop-arm is extended. While school buses are among one of the safest modes of transportation, injuries, and fatalities can and do occur near bus stops, often due to motorists failing to obey traffic laws.

Passing a stopped school bus is illegal and poses serious risks to both the children and the bus operator. Drivers must come to a complete stop when the stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing.

"School bus safety is vital, and every driver plays an important role in protecting our children. Stopping for school buses is the law, not a suggestion. Drivers may proceed only when the red lights are off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving. Your Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring these laws are followed in order to protect the safety of our community’s school children,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

Additionally, drivers should be aware of the “Danger Zone” around the bus, which includes:

- 10 feet in front, where the driver, may not be able to see small children

- 10 feet on either side where a child may be in the driver’s blind spots.

- Behind the bus

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, (1) fatality occurred in 2022 and (1) fatality occurred in 2023 related to bus crashes in Tennessee. In total, there were (524) crashes involving buses in 2022 and (503) in 2003. In Hamilton County, (23) bus-related crashes occurred in 2022 and (23) in 2023. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

As we observe National School Bus Safety Week, let’s all commit to keeping our children safe on their way to and from school.

For more information on school bus safety, visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety#the-topic-bus-stop-safety.