HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – A bus full of students were really scared, concerned and some even fearful of their lives.
This is a story that's coming to light after a school bus driver wrecked and went to jail for driving under the influence in Madison County.
This is a real nightmare for parents involved.
The Central community is talking about the dangers their children on the bus faced Monday.
"You should be grateful I’m alive today," that was the first thing a parent heard from their child when they got home Monday afternoon.
Parents say they received no notice from the school system regarding an early morning incident.
Tuesday parents shared their children's stories on social media, all parents wished to remain anonymous.
Alabama State Troopers arrested James Watwood around 7 a.m. Monday morning.
Troopers report a single vehicle crash involving a Madison County school bus, Watwood left the road and struck a mailbox.
He was arrested for DUI and possession of a controlled substance.
Also in the report, there were no other occupants on the bus.
However, stories are coming out from the bus full of kids. Many show they may have been in harm’s way before the arrest.
One parent writes, "He ran into a mailbox, ran over a trash can, weaved on and off the road, multiple times and stopped the bus in the middle of Highway 72 to vomit."
There was no notice given to parents until the following day.
A parent wrote, "All three of mine were on the bus. No notification, from the school whatsoever."
Another, "They could have been seriously killed or injured. And we as parents who entrust the lives of our children to bus drivers and teachers deserve to know if these people we trust are putting our kids in harm’s way."
Monday the Madison County School Board released this statement.
"Our students` safety is our number one priority. This employee has submitted his resignation today and will no longer be a bus driver for the system. This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
They also state employees undergo background checks per the Alabama State Department of Education.
And all employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Watwood was also charged with possession of a controlled substance back in 2009.
WHNT reached out to the Madison County School system Tuesday to ask how they are moving forward and if they are taking a look at how they notify parents of incidents.
We haven't received a response.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the incident.