Bus Driver Arrested for DUI Blows 0.24% BAC... While on Duty!

Meet Alonzo V. Martin. This unfortunate gentleman had the distinction to be selected as a full-time bus driver in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota in February of this year. Sadly, that will probably be the pinnacle of Alonzo's bus driving career. According to this article, he blew a 0.24% BAC - and the limit for DUI is 0.8% for most drivers, but only 0.4% for commercial drivers. When you blow six times the limit, things are likely to go poorly in court.

Obviously drunk driving is dangerous and must be discouraged. But when the driver is responsible for the transportation of an entire bus full of passengers, it takes on a whole new level of risk. Not to mention the added danger posed by a vehicle of that size.

Mr. Martin looks very disappointed in this picture. Hopefully he will be able to walk away from this experience with the benefit of a good lesson. On the other hand, maybe he's innocent and an aggressive DUI lawyer will prove that the breath analysis isn't accurate. After, all, it is quite possible for a sober person who has recently rinsed with mouthwash to provide a very high BAC sample without being drunk at all.

But that is unlikely, and following proper police procedures will generally rule out the mouthwash defense. I'm thankful that nobody was injured or killed in this DUI case. I'd like to know what it would cost to equip every bus with an ignition interlock device. Maybe MADD would use some of their millions in funding to actually prevent a DUI rather than advocating ever harsher punishments for the unfortunate few that are caught.