KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A parent here who is upset about motorists illegally passing school buses as students are unloading has shot several videos catching them in the act, WATE reports.
As Ellie Whitesell waits for her daughter to get off the bus at her bus stop every school day, she watches cars drive past the bus, and told the news source that she feels helpless. She has recorded at least a dozen videos of the cars illegally passing the bus, according to WATE, and told the news source that she has sent the videos to the Knox County Schools Transportation Department, law enforcement officials and lawmakers, because she knows her daughter isn’t the only student in danger.
School bus driver Tony Williams told the news source that there is rarely a day in which no motorists illegally pass his bus. The Knoxville Police Department and Knox County Sheriff’s Office told WATE that they aren’t getting reports of motorists illegally passing buses, but if a motorist was caught, the charge would be a Class C misdemeanor of overtaking or passing a school bus.
Meanwhile, state Rep. Jason Zachary is sponsoring a bill that would allow school districts to place cameras on the outside of school buses to catch motorists who do not stop for the buses. The bill, HB0910, has passed the House Transportation Committee and now moves onto another committee.
Another bill related to school bus safety is being considered by state lawmakers; HB1484 would stiffen penalties for school bus drivers who use a portable electronic device while driving or loading students.
Watch one of Whitesell’s videos below.
Mother records videos of motorists not stopping for school bus
Ellie Whitesell has recorded several videos of motorists illegally passing buses as students unload at her daughter’s stop, and has sent them to the local school district, law enforcement officials and lawmakers.
More Safety

9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →
Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
Read More →
NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Read More →

