Driver in School Bus Crash Shouldn’t Have Been at the Wheel

The school bus driver who was implicated in a deadly crash with a commuter bus in Baltimore this week should not have been behind the wheel since his commercial driver’s license was suspended two months ago.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration spokesman Chuck Brown said in a statement that they did not receive an updated Medical Examiner’s Certificate from Glenn R. Chappell. The driver’s one-year certificate expired in August 31 and federal law requires an updated one for holders of commercial driver’s licenses. These licenses are mandatory for school bus drivers in Maryland.

Brown presented copies of two cautionary letters the agency sent Chappell. One, dated July 17, prompted him that his certificate would soon expire. The other, dated Sept. 8, informed Chappell that he is no longer authorized to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

He was advised to either present updated information or have his permit demoted to a noncommercial driver’s license.

Another reason that could have prevented Chappell from driving: He pleaded guilty in 2012 to second-degree assault. A State Board of Education ruling says a school system “may not” allow someone condemned of a violent crime to operate a school vehicle.

Neither Baltimore City Public Schools nor AA Affordable Transportation, Chappell’s employer, responded to inquiries posed by The Associated Press in emails and calls.

In a statement obtained by WJZ-TV from AA Affordable, the transport company offered condolences to the victims’ families. Further, it said that the company is cooperating entirely with investigators and cannot comment while the investigation is underway.

Brown said that to renew a certification, drivers must disclose whether they have suffered a seizure, brain injury, dizziness or high blood pressure. Drivers should also submit to measurements of other standard health indicators. However, the resulting certificate doesn’t contain this detail so the agency is unaware about any medical conditions a driver might have.

The agency forwards warning letters only to commercial driver’s license holders, not their employers, Brown said. But federal regulations oblige companies to maintain the certificates for all of their drivers with commercial licenses.

The accident on Tuesday killed Chappell, 67, along with a Maryland Transit Administration bus driver and four mass transit passengers. Chappell’s school bus crossed the centerline and crashed into the commuter bus in southwest Baltimore. No children were onboard when the crash occurred.

Chappell’s son Moses said family members, as well as investigators, are awaiting his father’s autopsy results. It could reveal the probability that Chappell suffered a medical emergency. Investigators are also exploring whether speed played a role in the crash.

Moses said he never saw his father drink alcohol. He claimed that his father maintained a healthy lifestyle and that he didn’t appear to have any health issues.

His father drove trucks, buses and taxi cabs over the years, and loved driving, Moses added.

“It’s been the toughest 48 hours of my life,” he said.

Discretion that Could Have Prevented the Crash

A close reading of the board of education rules indicates that Glenn Chappell’s assault conviction wouldn’t have automatically prohibited him from driving a school bus; the wording seems to provide authorities some discretion.

The local school district would have been liable for making sure Chappell met state requirements.

 

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