Semi Driver Allegedly Overmedicated Before Crashing Into School Bus
Wayne Edward Murphy allegedly takes nearly twice the prescribed dosage of anti-anxiety medication before he crashes into a school bus in Wisconsin. The crash injures 20 people aboard.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. — A criminal complaint alleges that a semi driver had been taking nearly twice the prescribed dosage of anti-anxiety medication before crashing into a school bus, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The complaint stated that on May 23, a HOPE Semper Christian Schools bus was headed to the Wisconsin Dells for a field trip when the semi crashed into the rear of the bus, according to the newspaper. The bus was parked on the shoulder of the road due to mechanical problems. Twenty people aboard were injured, four of them seriously.
Wayne Edward Murphy of Indianapolis, Indiana, a driver for Dahl Trucking, was “all over the road” before the crash, according to the complaint, and couldn’t tell deputies why the semi veered off the road before hitting the bus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Murphy told deputies that he took one-and-a-half Sertraline pills about two-and-a-half hours before the crash, but the label on the pill bottle said to take one pill daily. The label also said that the medication can cause drowsiness and advised caution when operating a vehicle while consuming the medication. The complaint also said that deputies found a bottle of Xanax prescribed to Murphy in the semi, and determined he had taken about twice the prescribed dosage, according to the newspaper.
Murphy failed a field sobriety test before being taken to a hospital for a blood draw, the complaint stated, and was arrested for operating while intoxicated. According to the complaint and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Murphy was charged on Wednesday with five counts of injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and five counts of second-degree reckless injury, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
To read the full story, go here.
More Safety

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
