Fatal Bus Crash In Florida: At-Fault Driver Faces DUI Charges
A fatal bus crash on State Route 40 near Ocala claimed the lives of eight people and seriously injured a southwest Florida business owner recently. State and federal officials are still investigating, but preliminary reports indicate alcohol played a role in causing the crash. Our Naples drunk driving accident lawyer explains more about the tragedy and how driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk.
Bus Crash In Central Florida Kills Eight, Leaves Dozens Injured
Summer is a prime growing season in Florida, and migrant workers play a major role in helping farmers complete their harvest. A bus carrying dozens of people was on State Route 40 and headed to a watermelon farm in Ocala when it went off the road, striking a fence and several trees before overturning. According to a May 14 Naples Daily news report, eight farmworkers were killed, and dozens more were injured, including the South Florida businessman who operated the transport company.
The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the bus was carrying a total of 53 people. Unfortunately, in addition to the eight killed, more fatalities are expected in the coming weeks. The crash happened shortly after 6:30 a.m. on a weekday morning. Preliminary investigations reveal a brown Ford Ranger pickup truck was headed in the opposite direction when it crossed the center line, crashed into the westbound bus, and forced it off the road.
The pick-up truck driver, who is currently hospitalized with serious injuries, was arrested in the aftermath. He is charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter, with potentially more charges pending.
Driving Under The Influence Puts Everyone At Risk
Driving under the influence is a major problem throughout the Sunshine State and puts everyone on the road at risk. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 100 drunk driving accidents in Collier County alone occur each year, claiming the lives of more than 10 people while leaving dozens of others suffering serious personal injuries.
In the aftermath of the Ocala bus tragedy, it is important to be aware of how even one or two drinks can increase crash risks. Common impacts on driving abilities that happen with even small amounts of alcohol in your system include:
- Blurred, watery eyes and other vision impairment;
- Dulled reflexes, making you less likely to respond appropriately in unexpected situations;
- Decreased ability to concentrate, increasing distracted driving risks;
- Impaired judgment, making you less likely to realize how alcohol is impacting you and more likely to get behind the wheel and engage in other dangerous behavior.
Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Naples Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk drivers put themselves and everyone on the road at risk. If you are injured in this type of crash, contact Cardinal Law, P.A. We provide the caring support and the fierce legal representation needed to hold those at fault accountable. Request a consultation with our Naples drunk driving accident lawyer today.
Sources:
naplesnews.com/story/news/state/2024/05/14/immokalee-farmworker-transportaeight-dead-in-immokalee-based-farmworker-transportation-company-crash/73689445007/
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
