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Texting Truck Driver Arresting After Hitting School Bus

By Eddie Farah

Seven months after a school bus erupted into flames, killing one student aboard, the driver of an 18-wheeler that caused the crash has finally been arrested.

30-year-old Reinaldo Gonzales turned himself into the Florida Highway Patrol today. He was booked in the Marion County jail in Ocala, Florida charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving with serious bodily injury.

At the side of the road where the crash took place, a memorial still stands to honor the 11 children hurt and one girl killed.

13-year-old Frances Schee, a middle school student, could not be pulled from the burning bus, rear ended by the truck, when passersby in the town of Citra tried to help.

Schee's family believes seven months is too long to be allowed his freedom. Gonzales admitted he was text messaging just minutes before he slammed into the stopped school bus with his 18-wheeler.

The FHP says these investigations take time.

The Schee family has sued the Marion County school system for not being responsive to their concerns.

Until Florida passes some legislation concerning testing while driving, additional charges cannot be added. Doesn't this accident highlight just how badly Florida needs to catch up with other states that ban texting while driving? How many more people need to be killed until we do?

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on April 07, 2009 (boomark / email).