Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 11, 1995 TAG: 9504110112
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Edwards told Roanoke County school officials he didn't feel ready yet to drive his bus again.
"It was his decision - and we had no problem with it," said Robert Woolwine, transportation supervisor for county schools.
"He's in better shape, but he wants to take the rest of the year off. That is fine with us," Woolwine said Monday.
Woolwine said he didn't want Edwards to get behind the wheel again until he feels good emotionally.
In keeping with standard procedure, Edwards was placed on leave until the investigation was complete. The probe was finished last week.
Edwards, a driver for four years, was not charged in the accident in which Shayla Worley, a 5-year-old kindergartner, was run over by the rear wheels of the bus.
Vinton Police Chief Rick Foutz said last week there was no evidence that Edwards was at fault in the accident in front of the Worleys' house at 467 Vale Ave. on March 27.
"I don't see what he could have done differently," Foutz said.
Woolwine said Edwards, the minister of New Testament Baptist Church in Vinton, followed prescribed safety procedures and never had been involved in an accident.
Woolwine said Edwards will undergo the same refresher safety training this summer as all other drivers.
Meanwhile, a teacher still is riding the bus with Shayla's four siblings to help them get over anxiety caused by the accident.
The children were reluctant to begin riding the bus again, and a teacher offered to ride with them. Woolwine said she will keep riding, at least until spring break.
The accident happened as Shayla's brothers and sisters watched.
Witnesses said Shayla got off the bus and started up the steps to her home, which is about 20 feet from the street. She then turned and ran back toward the bus.
by CNB