SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report: School bus driver didn't engage brake in crash that killed principal

A police report states that bus driver Christine Beeler left the driver’s seat without engaging the parking brake, causing the bus to roll forward. The report also states that Beeler was “distracted,” but does not indicate what took her attention away from her duties.

February 9, 2016
Report: School bus driver didn't engage brake in crash that killed principal

A police report states that the school bus driver involved in a crash that killed elementary school principal Susan Jordan, shown here, was distracted and didn't engage the parking brake.

unknown node
2 min to read


A police report states that the school bus driver involved in a crash that killed elementary school principal Susan Jordan, shown here, was distracted and didn't engage the parking brake. Photo courtesy Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township

INDIANAPOLIS — Police here have released a report that indicates the school bus driver involved in a crash that killed an elementary school principal on Jan. 26 was distracted and didn't engage the parking brake, IndyStar reports.

The report states that bus driver Christine Beeler left the driver’s seat of the bus without engaging the parking brake, causing the bus to roll forward, according to the newspaper. The report also states that Beeler was “distracted,” but does not indicate what took her attention away from her duties, IndyStar reports.

As Susan Jordan, the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, was supervising the school’s dismissal and standing with a group of students, the bus, which had been stationary, suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb, injuring two 10-year-old students and killing Jordan. Jordan was able to push students out of the way before the bus struck her. Many have called Jordan a hero for her actions.

A spokesperson for the Marion County prosecutor’s office told the newspaper that the incident is still under investigation, and that it has not been determined yet whether Beeler will be charged. It is not clear whether Beeler is still employed by the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, according to IndyStar. District officials had told the newspaper that Beeler had no history of discipline problems or moving violations and was considered a “model employee.”

To read the full story, go here.

More Safety

zonar system image
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

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 →
an overturned school bus on a roadway after an accident
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 24, 2026

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 →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
A close-up view of the top of a yellow school bus with “School Bus” signage and red lights, overlaid with a cracked-glass effect. Text on the image reads, “Multi-Vehicle Crash in TN Takes 2 Lives” and “March 27, 2026,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 17, 2026

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 →
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of Wisconsin political figures by a table and text reading "Legislative Roundup April 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

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 →
A rendering of the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 9, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Children cross in front of a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended while a nearby vehicle waits, illustrating school zone safety and risks of illegal passing.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 9, 2026

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 →
Graphic featuring a headshot of Michael Graham, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wearing a dark suit and red tie against an orange gradient background, with “Leadership Update” and School Bus Fleet branding on the left.
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

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 →
Graphic with bold yellow background and red headline reading “A Split Second from Disaster,” alongside a photo of a freight train traveling down railroad tracks. Subtext reads, “What one incident reminds us about railroad crossing safety,” with School Bus Fleet branding at the bottom.
Safetyby Amanda HuggettApril 7, 2026

'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders

Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 7, 2026

No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses

The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.

Read More →