A scandalous incident on Spain’s roads has once again raised concerns about the safety of school transportation. In Soria, a bus driver carrying nearly fifty children and five adults was detained behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit for professional drivers. This incident not only shocked parents but also sparked debate about the effectiveness of oversight in transporting minors.
The inspection took place in the morning on a section of the A-2 highway near the municipality of Santa María de la Huerta. A road patrol stopped the bus, which was headed on a school excursion. On board were children aged 9 to 12, accompanied by teachers and caregivers. Officers immediately noticed signs of alcohol intoxication in the driver and conducted an instant breathalyzer test.
Test results
The breathalyzer readings were shocking: 0.67 and 0.63 mg of alcohol per liter of exhaled air, while the maximum allowed for bus drivers is 0.15 mg. After confirming the results, the man was removed from driving, and the bus was temporarily parked at the nearest lot. Another employee from the transport company was called in so the trip could continue to its destination.
The passengers, including two chaperones and three teachers, were unharmed. However, the incident itself sparked a strong reaction among parents and the public. The driver faces criminal prosecution for endangering road safety, as well as a possible revocation of his driving license for up to four years.
Further actions
The case materials have already been submitted to the court of Almazán, where the issue of punishment will be considered. Depending on the court’s decision, the man may face up to six months in prison, a large monetary fine, or community service. In any event, he faces a lengthy driving ban.
In an official statement, representatives of the traffic police emphasized that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is especially dangerous when transporting children. Such actions greatly increase the risk of accidents and endanger the lives of everyone on the road. The agency urged carriers and parents to be extremely careful when choosing transportation companies and to prevent such situations from occurring.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in cases of public transport drivers being caught under the influence. Just last year, several incidents involving school buses were recorded where drivers violated safety standards. In most cases, swift police action helped prevent tragedies, but each such case sparks heated discussions and highlights the need for stricter oversight.
The introduction of regular alcohol and drug testing for passenger transport drivers has become a top priority for road authorities. Parents and schools increasingly demand transparency and accountability from transport companies. Public opinion is leaning toward the need for harsher penalties for such offenses to prevent these incidents from happening again in the future.
