Roane Co., TN (March 27, 2025) – A Roane County school bus accident early Monday morning led to injuries for two students and a full investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The incident occurred on March 24, just before 8 a.m., as a school bus transporting 21 students along Ponders Gap Rd veered off the right side of the roadway, went down an embankment, and came to rest against a tree. The driver, identified as 64-year-old Paul Perrin, was behind the wheel of Bus 19, which was headed through the Midway community at the time of the crash.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, no other vehicles were involved. Emergency medical services responded quickly, and one student was taken to a hospital via ambulance for further evaluation. That student was later released the same afternoon. Another student sustained injuries but did not require ambulance transport. Local medical personnel assessed the remaining children on-site to ensure their well-being.

Roane County Schools released a statement noting that the district is working closely with THP to determine what caused the bus to leave the road. In the meantime, the driver has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Officials are expected to examine several factors surrounding the accident.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Bus Accidents in Tennessee

Tennessee sees a number of school bus-related accidents each year, many of which occur during morning or afternoon transit times. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security tracks school bus crashes across the state. In 2023 alone, over 250 bus accidents were reported statewide, several of which involved injuries to students. These incidents often spark policy reviews and safety audits within school systems.

When looking closer at the common causes of school bus crashes in Tennessee, several recurring themes appear:

• Driver Fatigue or Error: Long hours, early shifts, and high responsibility can take a toll on bus drivers. Even experienced drivers are susceptible to momentary lapses in judgment or slowed reaction times.
• Rural Road Conditions: In counties like Roane, buses often travel winding, narrow roads with limited visibility and little room for error. Slopes and curves can increase the risk of accidents, especially when roads are wet or poorly maintained.
• Mechanical Failures: Routine inspections are required, but sometimes, issues go unnoticed. Brake problems, steering issues, or worn tires can all contribute to loss of control.
• Inadequate Safety Restraints: Not all school buses are equipped with seat belts, and when collisions happen, students may be more susceptible to injury if tossed inside the vehicle.
• Distractions Onboard: Managing student behavior while driving is challenging. Even a few seconds of distraction caused by student commotion can affect a driver's focus.

If your child has been injured in a bus accident in Tennessee, it's important to act quickly. Call our Roane County auto accident attorney to learn how we can help protect your child's rights. Whether it involves injuries, medical bills, or navigating an investigation, legal guidance can make a significant difference in what happens next.

Accidents involving children require thoughtful and immediate attention. At DZ Law, we offer free consultations to families seeking answers. Call our team at 865-259-0020 to get started. We understand how overwhelming it can be when your child is hurt in an incident like this. Our Knoxville-based team is ready to answer your questions and explain your legal options. We'll help you secure any necessary documentation and deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf. There is no fee unless we win your case. Let DZ Law stand with your family during this time. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all the details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.