How should the driver respond if students are fighting on the bus?

If students are fighting, the driver's first action is to pull the bus over safely (not the shoulder of a busy highway unless no alternative). Stopping eliminates the driving distraction and reduces the chance of a crash. Address the situation calmly with verbal direction first. The driver should not physically intervene except to prevent serious injury — physical contact with students creates legal exposure and can escalate. Call for assistance from dispatch or the school as needed; some districts require a stop and a phone call for any fight on the bus. After the situation is resolved, continue the route and report the incident.