Students on their way home from a Tennessee school recently received quite a scare when the bus on which they were riding was involved in a head-on collision. About 45 children were passengers on the school bus when the accident occurred. The man allegedly responsible now faces multiple drunk driving charges.

The man was driving his SUV when it was struck from behind by another car. The force caused the SUV to jump across the curve and run directly into the school bus. The bus driver attempted to move from the SUV’s path but was unable to do so in time to avoid the collision, according to a witness at the scene.

The bus driver said his first thought was of the students’ safety. After ensuring no one was seriously injured, he evacuated the bus through the vehicle’s emergency exit. Six of the students suffered injuries and were taken to a Tennessee hospital for treatment. An update on their condition was not available at the time of this report.

The driver of the SUV was charged with a number of offenses, including drunk driving and driving with a revoked license. This is reportedly the second time he has been arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. He is allegedly facing DUI charges in another county as well.

Regardless of what crime he is accused of committing, the man has the right to the presumption of innocence. Unless, and only if, prosecutors can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, no finding of guilt may be entered. He is accorded the right to be treated fairly and according to the standards established by Tennessee and federal laws. A firm grasp of all the options available to him could be key to his success as his case progresses.

Source: wate.com, A drunk driver hit a Knox County school bus head on, Kayla Strayer, March 4, 2014