The investigation of the October 5 charter bus crash in northern California continues, but authorities have already uncovered some troubling facts about the driver, the vehicle and the charter bus operator.

The charter bus crashed en route to the Colusa Casino Resort in California. According to news reports, the bus drifted off the road and the driver overcorrected, causing the vehicle to overturn and roll. Eight passengers died and 30 people, including driver Quintin Joey Watts, were injured.

The day after the accident authorities arrested Watts on suspicion that he had been driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Watts, who was still being treated for critical injuries sustained in the accident, was arrested at Woodland Hospital. The California Highway Patrol’s initial investigation also has revealed that Watts, a former truck driver, did not have the proper license or certifications to operate the bus. Blood test results are expected in two to six weeks.

Breaking news reports indicated that a Greyhound bus carrying 42 passengers overturned, spilling passengers into a soggy rice field. Although the aging bus driven by Watts still carried a faded Greyhound logo, the bus was sold two years ago, according to Greyhound officials.

Daniel Cobb, who is believed to be the owner of the bus, died in the accident. He had a valid permit to operate a bus service from the Public Utilities Commission, and was insured. However, Cobb was listed as the sole driver for his one-vehicle operation.

The bus also had an invalid license plate. Cobbs Bus Service is based in California, and the bus had a Texas license plate.

Authorities are still investigating if mechanical problems contributed to the cause of the accident. In October 2007, Cobb’s Bus Service passed all necessary inspections and the company’s permit was renewed for three years. Cobb, who had operated a bus service in California since 1974, had no safety violations on his record.

In the wake of this and other high profile bus crashes, safety advocates, government officials and other industry experts have been speaking out against unsafe operators.

In an interview with California Public Radio, Peter Pantuso, president of the American Bus Association in Washington, D.C., said that these tragedies highlight the important link between public safety and enforcement efforts. “The federal and state departments of transportation and highway patrol need to make sure they’re looking at every bus company on a regular basis to make sure that those that aren’t fit to be running and don’t have the safety precautions in place or hiring good, reliable drivers are put out of business in some way or form.”