Bus Driver DWI Charge Prompts Somers School District Review Of Transportation Policies
The drunk driving charge against a school bus driver in Northern Westchester has led to the Somers Central School District reviewing its transportation policies amid a cacophony of angry cry from concerned members of the community.
William Mendez, 61, of Somers, is under investigation for allegedly having inappropriate contact with students before his DWI arrest in Somers, when police say he had a blood-alcohol concentration of .22, nearly triple the legal limit, in an incident last month.
Police said that on Monday, Dec. 9, Mendez, while employed by the Royal Coach Line, drove his bus wi…
School Bus With Students Aboard Crashes Into Pole, Tree To Avoid Deer In Torrington
A school bus with students aboard crashed into a tree and pole after the driver attempted to avoid hitting a deer in the roadway, police said.
The incident took place around 7:15 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, when the driver, carrying nine students on Marshal Lake Road, said the Torrington Police.
According to the driver, the crash occurred when she took the evasive action to avoid hitting the deer, police said.
The driver reported minor injuries to her leg. There were no reported injuries to students, police added.
Students were brought to school via alternative transportation, police s…
With Schools Opening, Police Warn Motorists Of $465 Bus Violation Penalties
With schools set to open up for the year in the coming days, police departments in Fairfield County are cautioning motorists to be safe around school buses, or else they may face a hefty fine.
“School buses will be hitting the roads again, and we urge you to drive with caution and never drive distracted,” police said, noting that violations will be “strictly enforced” and carry penalties that include fines of no less than $465.
According to AAA, every day, about 500,000 school buses transport more than 23 million students to and from school. However, each year, nationally, about 24 school-…
