School bus driver accused of DWI over medication
A motorist reportedly called authorities last Wednesday to report a school bus driver who was allegedly driving erratically. Eventually, the bus driver for the Yadkin County schools was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. However, news reports indicate that the basis of the DWI charges apparently does not include allegations of alcohol consumption, but rather some form of medication.
Many drivers in North Carolina may be shocked to learn that medications, even legally prescribed medications, can lead to DWI charges in the state. It is unclear in the public media what medication police believe that the bus driver may have taken before the recent arrest. However, the bus driver was arrested on suspicion of DWI, and was also reportedly fired after the allegations arose.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol claims that the school bus drove off of the roadway while traveling on Old Highway 421 Wednesday. The authorities say that the bus nearly hit a sign and a tree in that alleged incident. Police claim that the bus was ultimately involved in some kind of accident and the driver fled the scene with 15 students onboard. Details of that alleged accident are also not covered in media reports.
Police claim that when they spoke with the bus driver, he said that he had taken some form of medication that had made him drowsy. Apparently, based at least in part on that alleged statement, law enforcement arrested the driver on suspicion of DWI, failing to maintain control and leaving the scene of an accident. Apparently, law enforcement obtained a sample from the driver that will be used for toxicology tests.
None of the students were harmed.
Source: WFMY News 2 via digitriad.com, “Bus Driver Charged With DWI, Left Scene After Crash With Students On Bus In Yadkin County,” June 8, 2012
Tags: accused, Driver, medication, Over, school