A substitute bus driver in Georgia has been arrested and charged with drink driving while transporting around 30 children home from school. Lori Hagaman, 51, allegedly swerved between lanes and was found with an open container of what is suspected to be wine in a Stanley Cup.
Hagaman faces a total of 31 charges, including one felony count of driving a school bus under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as several misdemeanour counts of reckless conduct and reckless driving, and one misdemeanour count of possession of an open alcohol container. The incident occurred on Friday at around 3.45pm, according to the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office.
The affidavit states that Hagaman was under the influence of alcohol to such a degree that it rendered her a less safe driver. She failed to stay in her lane, and the open alcohol container was later found in the driver’s area. Deputies reported that she smelled strongly of alcohol, had slurred speech, red and watery eyes, and struggled to walk down the steps of the bus. During a field sobriety test, she nearly fell several times.
One parent told local media that her 15-year-old child had called from the bus, expressing concern about Hagaman’s behaviour. In a statement, the Bartow County School System said: “A substitute bus driver was removed from a route, arrested, and charged with driving under the influence, along with other related offenses. Fortunately, no one was physically injured. … The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority.” The school added that additional counselling services would be available for affected students.
