On March 4, a school bus accident in Calhoun County, West Virginia, resulted in the hospitalization of three students. The driver, Jeffrey Brannon, was found with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.127%, leading to charges including DUI and child neglect resulting in injury.

The crackdown: The FMCSA has issued an Imminent Hazard Out-of-Service Order to Brannon, barring him from operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Next steps: Alongside losing his job, Brannon faces the potential disqualification of his CDL. Further, he will be listed in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as prohibited.

Community impact: The incident, which occurred as Brannon transported 19 students from school, has heightened scrutiny over school bus safety. The oversight of driver conduct is a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by those transporting children.

The FMCSA has been working closely with West Virginia officials to ensure Brannon's commercial driving privileges are rescinded, according to CDLLife.

By the law: Federal regulations strictly prohibit the operation of a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher, or within four hours of consuming alcohol.

With the legal process underway, Brannon has already faced immediate consequences as Calhoun County School officials confirmed his termination from the bus driving position, reported by WCHSTV.