Bus Driver Loses Appeal for Texting While Driving

A bus driver in Ireland has lost his appeal for unfair dismissal after being sacked for using a mobile phone while driving the bus. Arunas Juodikis denied that he was using a mobile phone though, and tried to argue that he had been holding a case for his glasses when observed by his manager.

The company's managing director was leaving his office last July when he saw Mr Juodikis at a road junction by Dublin Airport. He was reported to have been driving with just one hand on the steering wheel while sending text messages with the other.

The Director said that he drove alongside the bus to check what was happening and then sounded his car horn to attract the drivers attention. It was claimed that at no time did Juodikis put on his glasses while under observation.

Juodikis had previously been warned about using a mobile phone while driving - and was sacked when he returned to the bus depot.

The employment tribunal found that the dismissal was fair under the circumstances.

Posted to the site on 16th March 2009