Man Arrested After Crashing Head-On Into School Bus in School Zone

Authorities say a 61-year-old man was arrested in Punta Gorda after allegedly driving under the influence of narcotics and crashing head-on into a school bus during active school zone hours. The incident, reported on December 2, raises serious concerns about impaired driving near children and the heightened dangers associated with school zone traffic.

According to investigators, the collision happened within a designated school zone while students were present in the area. Fortunately, no students were reported injured, but the crash resulted in injuries to the passenger in the suspect’s vehicle. The passenger was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Officials said the driver, Edwin Alberto Fernandez, exhibited signs of impairment that did not align with typical crash-related injuries. Due to his condition, he was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being booked.

Authorities reported that Fernandez had several pill bottles in his possession at the time of the crash. These included:

• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Alprazolam (Xanax)

These substances are controlled narcotics, and impairment from such medications can severely impact a driver’s coordination, reaction time, and awareness. Driving under the influence of prescription drugs is treated just as seriously under Florida law as driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may follow based on toxicology and crash analysis.

The Legal Consequences of Drug-Impaired Driving in School Zones

Under Florida law, individuals who operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs face severe penalties, including DUI charges. When impairment leads to a crash — especially in a school zone — penalties can escalate dramatically due to the increased risk to children and pedestrians.

Potential charges may include:

• DUI with property damage
• DUI with bodily injury
• Reckless driving
• Possession of controlled substances
• Enhanced penalties for violating school zone safety laws

If children or school personnel were endangered, prosecutors may pursue additional charges.

Rights of Injured Passengers and School Personnel

Even though no children were hurt in this incident, injured passengers and school staff may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

A claim may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term rehabilitation

When narcotics or impairment are involved, liability is typically strong, and punitive damages may be available in cases of extreme negligence.

Why Crashes in School Zones Are Especially Dangerous

School zones are designed to protect some of the most vulnerable road users — children. Crashes in these areas often result from:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drug or alcohol impairment
• Failure to follow posted school zone restrictions
• Aggressive or negligent driving around buses and crosswalks

Florida law imposes strict speed limits and enhanced penalties in these areas, recognizing the high risk of catastrophic injury.

How Our Firm Helps Victims of School Zone Crashes

Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm represents victims injured due to impaired or negligent drivers. Our team conducts immediate investigations to preserve evidence, obtain police reports, and determine whether drugs, alcohol, or prescription misuse contributed to the crash.

We provide:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Direct access to an attorney
• Experienced handling of DUI-related injury cases

If you or a loved one was injured in a school zone crash — or if you witnessed negligent conduct that endangered children — reach out to us today to learn your legal options.