US school bus driver intentionally slams brakes to teach children 'a lesson'. Video

The bus driver was immediately removed from his position and later fired from his job. (Image: Screengrab from video @MikeSington/Twitter

Disturbing footage has surfaced of a Colorado school bus driver intentionally slamming on the brakes, causing the children on board to lurch forward and hit their heads on the seats in front of them. The driver, Brian Fitzgerald, is heard berating the children for not sitting still and then intentionally brake-checking them to make a point.

The video is difficult to watch, as the children are clearly in pain and crying out in distress.

After receiving complaints from multiple parents, the Douglas County School District conducted an internal investigation and found that Fitzgerald did indeed brake check the students. He was immediately removed from his position as a bus driver and later fired from his job.

One of the students also started bleeding from his forehead.

“Why did he do that?!” Colorado school bus driver Brian Fitzgerald decides to slam on the brakes to “teach kids a lesson”. He’s now facing 30 charges of child abuse. (Video: KRDO) pic.twitter.com/gUYS74EQTC

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) April 21, 2023

It's also worth noting that Fitzgerald's defense of blaming "unruly" children for his actions is not acceptable.

“I am still 100% responsible for my actions in trying to both educate and control student on the bus,” Fitzgerald said. “Being new driver, I did not make the best decisions and if I were able to redo what I did I would rethink my decisions.”

It's fortunate that no serious injuries were reported, but the psychological trauma of the incident is no less real.