Pitt County, NC (October 27, 2026) - Gwendolyn Harris, 52, of Greenville, was charged with failure to reduce speed after a collision involving two Pitt County Schools buses Tuesday afternoon, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on NC 43 near Stokestown Saint John’s Road in Pitt County, North Carolina.

The Highway Patrol said both buses were traveling north when the bus in front stopped for traffic. The second bus, driven by Harris, struck the rear of the first bus after failing to slow down in time, troopers said.

State Highway Patrol troopers responded at approximately 3:05 p.m. and assisted with the collision.

Claims Involving Public School Buses

A traffic charge and a claim for injuries address different questions. The failure-to-reduce-speed charge in this collision concerns the driver’s alleged conduct. It does not establish that someone was injured or resolve a potential claim for compensation.

North Carolina has a specific process for certain negligence claims against school boards arising from public school bus operations. Qualifying claims are heard by the North Carolina Industrial Commission, and the driver’s employment and duties at the time can affect which rules apply. An accident injury lawyer can assess those requirements if a person was injured, rather than assuming the claim follows the same process as a collision between privately owned cars.

Understanding the Applicable Process

For anyone injured in a public school bus collision, identifying the proper process is part of evaluating legal options. The reported charge can be considered alongside the circumstances of the crash, evidence of injury and the rules governing the bus operation.