PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A school district which straddles Montgomery and Berks counties is reassessing its safety practices after a bus driver was pulled over for a suspected DUI with kids on board.
On Friday, Feb. 6, while conducting the afternoon elementary drop-off run for Boyertown Area School District, police pulled a Quigley Bus Service school bus driver over.
According to President Brian R. Quigley in a letter to families, the unidentified driver was suspected of driving under the influence. “While we are deeply grateful that no one was injured, we are profoundly saddened and disturbed by the unacceptable actions of the driver,” Quigley said. “Immediately following the incident, the individual was placed on unpaid leave and is no longer servicing routes for Quigley Bus Service.”
In his own letter, Boyertown Superintendent Scott Davidheiser told parents there were no injuries to any passengers. “All students who were on board when the driver stopped were transferred to another bus, and all students arrived home safely,” he wrote.
Quigley said the company is conducting an internal investigation and cooperating with the school district and local law enforcement. According to the bus service, the driver passed rigorous background checks prior to employment, including drug and alcohol testing, criminal screenings, and motor vehicle records reviews.
“All drivers complete comprehensive vehicle training and are required to participate in a student safety program,” he added.
Responding to a district request, Quigley said the company will randomly test drivers for drugs and alcohol more frequently. The district is also seeking an external audit to assess whether Quigley’s practices are up to industry standards.
Both parties said they were working together and cooperating with law enforcement, while unequivocally condemning the driver’s alleged actions.