Sumner County Bus Driver Commended by Schools Director
Earlier this month, we reported on the deadly Vietnam Veterans Boulevard 50 car pileup that resulted in two deaths. Since then, Sumner County Schools bus driver, Ricky Graves, has been honored for the level-headed way he handled both his bus and students in the foggy December 1 tragedy.
Director of Schools, Del Phillips, presented the bus driver with a certificate of appreciation, and the students aboard Bus No. 484 were also praised for their calm behavior throughout the ordeal.
Graves says he was on his usual morning route with 14 students on board when a pickup truck appeared out of the fog coming straight at the bus. “I broke and went right and the car beside me went left,” he reported. “I mashed my brakes real hard and two cars came between us and from there they just kept flying by and piling up.”
As the driver and his passengers waited in the stopped bus, they could hear and see frightening accidents all around them including flying debris and metal and one car fire. Throughout it all, Graves kept his cool and cared for the students for the two hours they waited.
One student, freshman Conley Wilkes said, “Mr. Graves kept us from getting hit by getting the bus out of the way and leaving room for other cars to pass us. He was very professional.”
Once the students were off the bus and taken to meet family members, Graves used his bus to transport other accident victims to safety.
The Memphis law firm of Bailey & Greer commends Ricky Graves for his ability to remain calm and keep his students safe. We express our deepest sympathies to the families of those injured and killed.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer