School Bus Driver Tests Positive for Cocaine

A 42-year-old bus driver for Régie Ligne d'Azur tested positive for cocaine five days after New Year's. He drove 34 minors on mountain roads.

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Quick Summary

1A 42-year-old bus driver employed by Régie Ligne d'Azur since February was found to have consumed cocaine on New Year's Day.
2Five days later, he drove a bus carrying 34 minors on mountain roads near Nice.
3The driver expressed surprise that the substance remained in his system for so long.
4He received a suspended sentence following the incident.

Quick Summary

A 42-year-old bus driver for Régie Ligne d'Azur was prosecuted after testing positive for cocaine. The incident occurred near Nice when the driver operated a bus filled with minors just days after consuming the substance.

The driver, who had been employed with the company since February, claimed ignorance regarding how long the drug stays in the system. He was ultimately given a suspended sentence for the offense.

The Incident and Driver's Statement

The events unfolded earlier this month involving a driver responsible for transporting children. The individual, aged 42, had consumed cocaine on New Year's Day. Despite this, he returned to work to drive a school bus route.

Five days after his consumption, he took the wheel of a bus carrying 34 minors. The route took them onto winding mountain roads in the region surrounding Nice. It was during this period that he was subjected to a control check.

Upon testing positive, the driver expressed shock regarding the results. He reportedly stated, "J’ignorais que la cocaïne restait aussi longtemps" (I didn't know that cocaine stayed that long). This admission formed a central part of the legal proceedings.

"J’ignorais que la cocaïne restait aussi longtemps"

— 42-year-old bus driver

Legal Outcome and Employment Status

The case was brought before the courts to determine the appropriate legal response. The driver's history with Régie Ligne d'Azur was noted, as he had only joined the company in February of the previous year.

Despite the severity of driving a bus full of children while under the influence of drugs, the court decided on a specific penalty. The driver was granted a sursis, or suspended sentence. This means he avoids immediate jail time but faces legal consequences if further offenses occur.

The ruling effectively closes the judicial aspect of this specific incident, though questions regarding driver safety protocols remain.

Implications for Public Transport Safety

This case brings attention to the critical issue of substance testing for public transport operators. The fact that a driver was able to operate a vehicle with 34 minors on board, days after consuming a controlled substance, raises questions about current screening methods.

Key concerns arising from this incident include:

The duration of cocaine detection in the body versus the driver's awareness.
The safety of mountain roads specifically, which require high levels of alertness.
The responsibility of transport agencies like Régie Ligne d'Azur in monitoring employee fitness for duty.

While the driver did not cause an accident, the potential for disaster was significant. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving in the public sector.