Many children in Georgia ride the bus to and from school each day. Parents assume that bus drivers are driving responsibly and not engaging in dangerous activities while driving a bus filled with children. Bus drivers are tasked with safely navigating these large vehicles to prevent injuries to the children inside and others on the road. When a school bus driver is accused of driving unsafely, especially when those accusations involve drug or alcohol use, the driver could face serious repercussions.
Facing DUI charges
A 52-year-old Effingham County school bus driver is facing DUI charges. According to Georgia State Patrol, the female driver was on drugs when she crashed into another vehicle. There were children on board the bus when the crash happened. Authorities say she was following too closely behind an SUV before crashing into the rear of it.
Witnesses claim that the bus driver was slurring her words before the crash. There were no serious injuries reported. The bus driver was arrested and released on bond. She no longer works for the school district.
Legal advice when facing DUI charges
No matter the situation, every person who is accused of a crime in Georgia is allowed to defend themselves in court. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can come with life-changing repercussions if one is convicted. Those accused of DUI should seek legal advice promptly when charged. An attorney can help one understand the charges they are facing and decide whether pleading to a lesser charge or going to trial is the best way to react to the charges.