A young student in Kanawha County had a close call with disaster last week. A reckless driver blew past a stopped school bus as the child stepped off. The car missed the youngster by inches in a heart-stopping moment caught on video. This near-tragedy shows what happens when drivers put selfish choices above community safety.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Kevin Webster, the driver, the next day for drunk driving in a different county. Officials say he drove around the bus on a double yellow line in a white Lincoln sedan. The sheriff’s office is slapping him with extra charges for this stunt. It’s clear one bad decision leads to another – and innocent kids pay the price.
Sergeant Joshua Lester called the incident “almost very tragic.” He stressed that buses stop to protect kids, not inconvenience drivers. Passing a stopped bus isn’t just illegal – it’s a betrayal of basic responsibility. Good people follow rules that keep children safe. Those who don’t belong behind bars.
Local grandma Darla Lane says this stretch of road has always been dangerous. “They go way too fast here,” she said. Her own grandson uses that same bus stop. For years, families have begged officials to crack down on speeders. Maybe now they’ll finally listen.
Parents need to drill safety into kids’ heads daily. Lester warned against phones and headphones when crossing streets. In today’s distracted world, old-fashioned lessons matter most. Show kids that video. Make them understand death waits for the careless.
The law exists for a reason. Those flashing red bus lights mean STOP – not “speed up.” Webster’s DUI arrest proves some folks think rules don’t apply to them. Strong penalties make roads safer. Weak enforcement invites chaos.
This isn’t just about one drunk driver. It’s about society’s slide into selfishness. Respect for authority erodes daily. Kids learn by watching adults – so what message do we send when grown men plow through school zones?
Thank the Lord that child escaped unharmed. But miracles won’t always happen. Lane put it plain: “Slow down. Watch for children. Period.” Common sense saves lives. Let’s get back to basics before the next close call becomes a coffin.
