Parents Concerned About Elderly Bus Driver

A New Hanover County school bus accident is under investigation, while the driver has been suspended with pay.

Otis Hames had a clean driving record and was licensed by the state to operate a bus. Many parents are concerned and surprised to learn Hames was 80 years old.

“I mean that’s pretty old to be driving, especially when you have so many kids in your responsibility,” Parent Tripp Knox said.

Ten students from Noble Middle School were sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure after Wednesday’s school bus accident. The driver, 80 year old Otis Hames, is charged with failure to yield the right of way.

“If my son was on that bus I would be concerned too,” Parent Winifred Ellerby, said. “Some point certain jobs are for certain people, not to discriminate or anything like that, but I think that’s just a little too old.”

But not according to New Hanover County School administrators.

“We can not discriminate because of age,” Assistant Superintendent, Bill Hance said.

Hance says Hames met the state issued requirements; including vision tests and a medical examination. Hames was recertified in 2005.

“Whether they’re 20, whether they’re 30, whatever their age happens to be, they have to meet those qualifications,” Hance said.

Parent Joey Austin’s two children ride county busses. He says age is secondary to experience.

“If they’re getting the training they need and the evaluations they need, then I think that’s sufficient,” Austin said, “I think there’s plenty of older drivers that are capable of driving.”

According to state law, there is no maximum driving age.