Bus driver honored in Rome for helping football team in accident

ROME, Georgia. – A Rome City Schools bus driver was honored Tuesday for helping students rescued from a nighttime traffic accident following a shooting.

The accident occurred on August 9 shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Highway 101 near Doc Moates Road and Old Rome Road – about three kilometers northwest of Aragon.

According to police, a woman driving a Nissan Versa crossed the line and crashed into the school bus carrying Rome High players and coaches who were returning from a scrimmage against Rockmart.

Local residents told FOX 5 that the accident caused the bus to tip over and hit a power pole. The Nissan eventually fell down a hill.

Officials at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center said 15 patients – three adults and 12 students – were taken to the hospital. All have since been treated and released.

MORE: Rome High School football team misses season opener after bus accident

At a meeting Tuesday, the school district honored bus driver Nakita Strickland, saying his quick thinking and “safety first” mentality helped get everyone off the bus.

“We are all grateful to have Mr. Strickland as part of our team,” a school district spokesperson wrote on Facebook.

Strickland received a standing ovation and a certificate for his exemplary performance.

Driver charged after bus crash at Rome High School

Investigators suspected that the driver of the Nissan was under the influence of alcohol and arrested her.

On Friday morning, they identified the driver as 21-year-old Jeyonna Jariah Underwood of Rome.

Underwood was charged with drunken driving, failure to maintain lane, and endangering a child under the age of 14 by drunken driving.