Bus Driver Involved in Fatal Accident Faces Criminal Charges

A 23-year-old bus driver from New York has been charged with careless and reckless driving and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle after a fatal accident in early August. All this is happening as the driver recovers from serious injuries of his own.

The bus accident reportedly occurred on Interstate 95 in North Carolina, north of the interchange with Interstate 40. According to local authorities, the bus was traveling southbound when it hit a guardrail and crossed the median. A passenger vehicle traveling in the opposite direction swerved to miss the bus and hit a tree. A passenger in that car was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials indicate that the driver likely fell asleep at the wheel. A passenger reported seeing driver lying limp at the wheel and attempted to gain control of the bus, and was able to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle. Five passengers on the bus were treated for injuries and later released, while two children in the passenger vehicle were also hospitalized for their injuries.

Apex Coach Company, located in Brooklyn, owns the bus — and the driver is from New York City. An inspection conducted after the crash did not show any safety violations on the bus itself.

What causes bus accidents?

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the top causes of bus accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving and equipment failure. In terms of passenger safety, the NTSB has called for higher standards, such as more comprehensive oversight of operators and enhancing occupant protection and integrating advanced vehicle technologies that can help anticipate and prevent crashes.

Accidents on mass transit can be particularly dangerous, as passengers rarely have access to seatbelts and other safety devices. If you have been injured in a bus accident, meet with a knowledgeable New York attorney at [ln::firm_name].