School bus driver faces over 50 misdemeanor counts for braking incident
A Pennsylvania school bus driver allegedly slammed on the brakes to get the attention of unruly students on the bus, and several suffered injuries.
CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — A school bus driver here is facing over 50 misdemeanor counts for an incident in March in which she allegedly slamming on the brakes of a bus to get the attention of unruly students, Standard Speaker reports.
Arrest records state that Summit Hill Police Chief Joseph Fittos received complaints about a school bus driver intentionally braking hard to get the attention of some students, according to the newspaper. He found out the school was investigating the incident and that several of the 23 students aboard the bus suffered injuries and were examined by a school nurse.
Court papers state that bus driver Rebecca Nicholas asked the students to calm down, and when they refused, she stopped the bus abruptly by forcefully applying the brakes, according to Standard Speaker. Arrest papers state that the students told police that after Nicholas slammed on the brakes she warned them that maybe next time they would listen and pay attention, the newspaper reports.
Nicholas was charged with 24 counts each of child endangerment and reckless endangerment, and eight counts of simple assault, Standard Speaker reports. The charges were filed against Nicholas on Aug. 12 once police completed the investigation. Arrest records state that Nicholas denied applying the brakes to get the students’ attention, according to the newspaper. Fittos told Standard Speaker that Nicholas is no longer employed by Panther Valley School District.
To read the full story, go here.
More Management

The Back-to-School Checklist Every Director Should Complete Before the First Bell
Help your transportation team start the school year strong with these tips for contingency planning, communication, fleet visibility, technology, and trip management.
Read More →
How a New York District Cut Nearly $1M in Transportation Costs While Expanding Bus Access
A data-driven overhaul with BusRight reduced Poughkeepsie City School District's planned routes from 26 to 17 while extending school bus service to about 1,200 additional students.
Read More →
Budgets Down, Enrollment Shifting: What the Data Says Districts Should Watch
School transportation departments face two converging challenges this year: tightening budgets and shifting enrollment. Most districts still address these issues separately, but the assumption that either trend will simplify operations is proving incorrect.
Read More →
These 8 School Transportation Companies Made the 2026 Inc. 5000 List
Find out which school transportation contractors, technology providers, and suppliers ranked among America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Read More →The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and School Bus Safety
How can emotional intelligence help transportation pros navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships? Listen to find out.
Read More →What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
In this video, discover how emotional intelligence can help transportation leaders and drivers navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Beyond Two-Way Radios: School Bus Communications Evolve With Push-to-Talk Over Cellular
PRYME Radio and PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free radio use and reduce distracted driving. See how PoC compares with traditional radios on range, cost, safety, and connectivity.
Read More →
Have School Districts Adapted to Bus Driver Shortages or Simply Accepted Less Service?
According to a recent report from HopSkipDrive, many districts appear to have recalibrated what "normal" transportation service looks like.
Read More →
Reliable Transportation Linked to Better Student Outcomes, New EverDriven Study Finds
See why new research suggests transportation consistency improves student outcomes while influencing attendance, funding, IEP compliance, and family trust.
Read More →
Switzer-CARTY Enters the U.S. with New Acquisition
The Canadian contractor’s acquisition of Minnesota-based Agnes Corporation marks its first cross-border expansion into the United States and adds 350 vehicles.
Read More →

