School Bus Driver In Salt Lake City Runs Into a Light Pole and Is Arrested For DUI
According to a KUTV News article, “School Bus Driver Jailed After DUI Crash At The Gateway,” a school bus driver was transporting several children from Salt Lake City’s Jewish Community Center to the Discovery Museum at the Gateway when he crashed into a light pole. The driver, 51-year-old Jon Wallace Hoffman, then ran away from the scene before authorities arrived. Hoffman later returned and took a field sobriety test, which he failed. Mr. Hoffman was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
Considering Hoffman’s history, the bus company never should have allowed him to be in such a position of trust. In 1994 Hoffman was charged with public intoxication. In 1996 he caused a serious traffic accident. In 2005 he was involved in another traffic accident and in 2006 he plead guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and speeding. Despite this, the bus company that employed Hoffman – Serv-a-Bus – insists that it conducts background checks on all of its drivers.
Both Hoffman and Serv-a-Bus could be held liable. Buses – school buses, city buses, and charter buses - are considered “common carriers” and have an “utmost duty of care.” This is much higher than that of a friend who gives you a ride to school. If any of these young children were injured in this accident, their families would be well served to contact a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer to ensure bus drivers and transportation companies do not let this happen again and that all medical bills and future damages are covered.
