Driver with History of Crashes Sentenced for Fatal Accident
A Detroit bus driver with a record of multiple crashes was sentenced to at least six months in jail on Thursday for the death of a pedestrian she struck while driving. Geraldine Johnson, 61, pleaded no contest to a moving violation causing death, a misdemeanor, following the June 2023 accident that killed Janice Bauer, 67, in downtown Detroit.
Repeat Offender Behind the Wheel
Shockingly, this was the second time Johnson’s bus had been involved in a fatal collision. In 2015, a man was killed while retrieving his bicycle from the front of her bus. Despite a history of crashes and aggressive driving, Johnson had retained her job, largely due to a union contract that protected her from discipline after the 2015 death because she was off work for more than 18 months.
Judge Criticizes Johnson’s Driving History
Judge E. Lynise Bryant, who sentenced Johnson, expressed disbelief over her driving record. “I was flabbergasted at the driving history,” she said. Bryant added that Johnson should have reconsidered her ability to drive after numerous accidents, saying, “Something’s not right. Something is off with me. Must be my perception, my ability — my something.”
Victim Was a Dedicated Transit Worker
Janice Bauer, the victim, was an avid bus rider and worked for a regional transit agency. Her siblings spoke in court, emphasizing that their sister had much more life to live. “Janice wasn’t finished living. She had places to go, things to do, and people to see,” Linda Bauer said.
Defense and Sentencing
Though Johnson did not speak in court, her defense attorney, Sharon Clark Woodside, maintained that the crash was not intentional, stating, “She simply didn’t see her.” Johnson was sentenced to six months in jail, despite pleas from the defense that her actions were not deliberate.
A Troubling Record of Accidents
The judge also reviewed Johnson’s driving history, which included several crashes even after the 2015 fatality. Her consistent involvement in accidents raised concerns about her fitness to continue driving a public bus, but the union contract limited disciplinary measures after long absences from work.