KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.
—A Platte County school bus driver is sharing his firsthand perspective on a dangerous trend happening in the area: drivers ignoring school bus stop arms and flashing red lights while children board and exit buses.
Platte County school bus driver shares perspective on dangerous trend of stop arm violations
Christopher Webb has been driving school buses for about six years, with two of those years in Platte County. He says his primary responsibility is clear.
“We treat them like we treat our own. It’s not just other people’s treasures, it’s our own treasures whenever we’re having the kids around,” Webb said.
Webb has witnessed numerous violations of school bus safety laws during his routes. When drivers blow past his stopped bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, he experiences the same frustration as parents, but must maintain composure for the students on board.
“We get just as angry as the parents do. I mean, there’s no doubt about it, as any of them do. We see it, but we have to keep our calm demeanor, for we still have kids on the bus,” Webb said…