Cullman, AL — January 28, 2025, two people were injured in a morning bus accident near the intersection of State Route 157 and U.S. Route 31.

Authorities said two Fairview High School buses were involved in a crash as they turned north onto U.S. Route 31 on the way to Cullman Area Technology Center.

Two students were hospitalized as a precaution, while a third was released to a parent at the scene, according to authorities. It is unclear how many students were on the buses on the time of the crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes involving school buses, like this one, often highlight the challenges of safely transporting students, particularly during busy morning commutes. While the injuries reported here appear to be relatively minor, any crash involving school buses warrants a thorough investigation to determine what happened and why.

One key focus will be understanding how two school buses came to collide while making a turn. Was there a miscommunication between the drivers about who had the right of way? Did road conditions, such as poor visibility or a slick surface, play a role? Investigators should examine whether external factors, such as traffic congestion or unclear lane markings, contributed to the collision.

The actions of the bus drivers will also be critical to the investigation. Were the drivers operating at safe speeds and following proper safety protocols during the turn? Evidence such as onboard camera footage, witness statements and the buses’ engine control module (ECM) data can help clarify the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The intersection itself is another important area of scrutiny. Intersections with multiple lanes and high traffic volume, like this one, can increase the likelihood of crashes if traffic patterns or signage are unclear. Were the buses navigating a particularly complicated turn or dealing with confusing signals? Investigators should consider whether the design of the intersection may have been a contributing factor.

Additionally, the condition of the buses must be evaluated. Regular maintenance and safety inspections are crucial for school buses, and any mechanical issues — such as brake failures or steering problems — would need to be identified. Maintenance records for both buses will help determine whether mechanical issues could have played a role.

Finally, the incident raises questions about the protocols of the school district and bus operator. Were the buses operating on a tight schedule, potentially leading to rushed driving decisions? Were students properly seated at the time of the crash, and was the district’s response to the incident appropriately swift? These questions are essential for assessing whether safety practices were followed and if improvements are needed.

This crash serves as a reminder of the complexities of safely transporting students and the importance of rigorous safety measures. A thorough investigation into the drivers’ actions, the roadway and the buses themselves will help uncover the factors behind this collision and ensure that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.