A Chicago school bus driver was arrested for driving under the influence while taking children to school last Tuesday. The arrest occurred when a good samaritan waved down a police officer after nearly being rear-ended by the school bus multiple times. The officer signaled for the bus driver to stop, but was initially ignored by the bus driver. When the driver eventually stopped for the police officer, the officer smelled alcohol on the bus driver's breath and noticed that his eyes were bloodshot. The bus driver subsequently failed a field sobriety test and was arrested.
After the arrest, Chicago Public Schools officials announced that they intended to fine Jewel's Bus Co., which employed the driver. Unsurprisingly, the driver has also been banned from driving buses for Chicago Public Schools.
As a car accident attorney in Chicago, I know a drunk driver in any situation poses a significant risk to himself and all others on the road. It is almost unfathomable to think that a person could be so selfish, careless, or addicted to alcohol that he would get behind the wheel of a school bus carrying innocent children while intoxicated. I am very thankful that the police officer was able to stop this bus driver before a horrible tragedy occurred. I hope that this drunk driver is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I also hope that his bus company and the Chicago Public Schools improve their screening procedures for bus drivers as a result of this incident.
