Fayetteville Bus Driver Involved In Crash Faces New Charge

There is a new charge against a bus driver who was behind the wheel when a charter bus crashed, injuring dozens of Fayetteville high school students.

Darol Britt was whisked away in a van after his latest court appearance Thursday. He is now being charged with improperly operating a motor vehicle with unsafe brakes. The prior charge of reckless driving against Britt seemed more appropriate in Georgia where the crash took place, according to the judge.

Britt was at the wheel last April when dozens of Massey Hill Classical High School students were injured in a bus crash. He is accused of not getting enough sleep before leaving and being aware that the bus' brakes were unsafe.

Britt's attorney asked the judge to dismiss that charge because the prosecution could not prove he had driven recklessly in North Carolina. Parents of the injured students who were at the courthouse said they were glad to hear about the new charges.

"He was well aware that his bus was not up to par when he took off with those kids and the very fact that he will endanger somebody else's kids. These were minors," said Terri Hunter, the parent of an injured student.

Because of the new charges, Britt has asked for another continuance. His case will be heard next week.

The new charge has a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Britt also faces a longer list of charges in Georgia. He recently pleaded not guilty to those charges.