Florida Greyhound Bus Driver Charged with DUI and Child Neglect

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 27, 2014

Everyone knows that driving under the influence is dangerous, and sometimes deadly. But, just imagine if the person was driving a passenger bus! That’s exactly what happened on Sept. 28, 2014, when Richard Campbell was arrested for DUI while operating a Greyhound bus.

According to witnesses, the bus was swerving all over the road while traveling down Interstate 95 in Central Florida. Passengers said the bus almost collided with several cars, and the driver seemed very woozy. Some of the passengers called police, and the authorities pulled over the bus with no incident. Mr. Campbell, aged 59, was then administered a field-sobriety test that he failed. He was taken to jail and passengers were able to continue their journey with another driver a short time later.

A few days later, Mr. Campbell explained his actions. He said he was on prescription medication for the pain in his shoulder. He had the shoulder replaced a few months ago. He said he missed one day of his medicine, so be “doubled-up” on the morning in question. Campbell washed down the medicine with two energy-drinks, which proved to be an unsettling combination.

Campbell said he did not feel strange until he was behind the wheel. He said he felt really bad all of a sudden, and then became weak and light-headed. He didn’t pull over right away, because the feeling of nausea did not “hit him” until right before pulling to the side of the road.

Campbell told local news reporters that he was appalled that he put passengers in danger, but that is was unintentional. He said that safety was always his number one priority, but that the medication and combination of energy drinks had an adverse effect on his body and mind.

Greyhound terminated the employment of Mr. Campbell, who had worked for the company for nearly five years. He said he has no ill-will toward the company, and that they did what they had to do. His main concern was that he endangered passengers involuntarily.

Charges were filed against Mr. Campbell, including DUI and child neglect. The child neglect charge was added because there were two minors on the bus.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.