Michigan School Bus Driver Charged In Death of Student Hit by Car
The Detroit school bus driver reportedly failed to activate the school bus's stop lights and stop sign to allow the child to safely cross the street.

School bus driver Debra White was charged in a 13-year-old student's death, after she reportedly failed to activate the school bus's stop lights and stop sign to allow the child to safely cross the street.
Photo: Detroit Police Department
CHARGED: The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has charged Debra White, 65, of Detroit, in connection with a vehicle crash on April 6, that killed 13-year-old Zyiar Harris. pic.twitter.com/EFZXIhCE2P
— Detroit Police News (@detroitpolice) April 11, 2022
A 65-year-old school bus driver was charged in connection to the death of a 13-year-old boy who was hit and killed while exiting a Detroit school bus. The accident happened April 6. The student, identified as Zyiar Harris, died on April 10.
According to a release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, school bus driver Debra White worked for the ABC Bus Company. She reportedly failed to activate the school bus's stop lights and stop sign to allow the child to safely cross the street.
White was initially charged with second-degree child abuse and failure to stop at a scene resulting in death. The prosecutor's office reported that the charges were issued before the student died. The case will be reviewed again when the prosecutor's office has reports from the medical examiner's office.
White was arraigned and given a $50,000 personal bond. She is due to appear in court on April 19.
More Safety

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
