Local School Bus Driver Deemed Public Safety Threat by FMCSA, Faces DUI and Child Neglect Charges

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has deemed Jeffrey Brannon, a West Virginia commercial driver, a threat to public safety. Brannon has been ordered to cease operating any commercial motor vehicle immediately. This order was issued on March 13, 2024.

The order follows an incident on March 4, 2024. Brannon, driving a school bus for Calhoun County Board of Education, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over. He was transporting nineteen students at the time. Surveillance footage showed erratic driving and swerving. Three students were seriously injured.

Tests showed Brannon's blood alcohol concentration was 0.127%, above the .04 limit for commercial drivers. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from consuming alcohol within four hours of driving or driving with an alcohol concentration of .04 or more.

Brannon will be listed as prohibited in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse due to these findings. The FMCSA is working with West Virginia to disqualify Brannon's commercial driver’s license. He faces charges in West Virginia for driving under the influence and child neglect resulting in injury.

The FMCSA’s Imminent Hazard Out-of-Service Order states that Brannon's disregard for safety regulations increases the risk of serious injury or death. Non-compliance with this order could lead to civil penalties of up to $2,304, and intentional violations could result in criminal penalties.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.