Narrow Escape: Child Avoids Collision with Vehicle Near School Bus in Kanawha County

In a concerning incident that highlights the importance of road safety, a child narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle that attempted to pass a stationary school bus in Kanawha County. The event unfolded on March 14, 2025, around 3:45 p.m. in St. Albans, prompting swift responses from local law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Department.

The Incident: Details and Immediate Response

According to reports from Sheriff’s Deputies, the incident involved a 48-year-old driver, identified as Kevin Webster. The alarming moment was characterized by the reckless decision of the driver to maneuver around the school bus, which was stopped to pick up or drop off students. Fortunately, the child involved in this incident was able to avoid serious injury, but the situation raises significant concerns regarding driver behavior around school buses.

This near-miss serves as a reminder of the critical need for drivers to adhere to traffic laws, especially when it comes to school zones and buses. The law mandates that vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended, signaling that children may be entering or exiting the bus.

The Importance of School Bus Safety

School bus safety is a paramount concern for communities, parents, and educators alike. Each year, children are placed in potentially dangerous situations due to reckless driving around school buses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for children, but dangers still exist when drivers fail to comply with traffic laws.

To enhance awareness, it’s crucial for parents, educators, and communities to educate children on safe practices when boarding or disembarking from a school bus. Additionally, drivers must be vigilant and respect the rules in place designed to protect these young passengers.

Legal Consequences for Reckless Driving

In incidents like the one involving Kevin Webster, reckless driving can lead to serious legal consequences. Authorities may impose fines, points on the driver’s license, and even harsher penalties if the driver is found to be endangering children. In this case, Sheriff’s Deputies are likely to investigate further to determine if any charges will be filed against Webster.

Legal repercussions serve as a deterrent to irresponsible driving behavior, especially in areas frequented by children. It is essential for drivers to understand the gravity of their actions and the potential impact on the lives of young students.

Community Reaction and Awareness

The St. Albans community has reacted strongly to this incident, with many residents expressing their concerns on social media platforms. Local parents have voiced their fears regarding the safety of their children while waiting for school buses. The incident has sparked conversations around the need for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws surrounding school buses.

Community leaders and local law enforcement are encouraged to collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving road safety. This could include increased signage in school zones, community awareness programs, and even discussions about implementing speed cameras near bus stops to deter reckless driving.

Proactive Measures to Ensure Safety

To prevent similar incidents in the future, several proactive measures can be taken by both drivers and school districts:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Schools and local governments can launch campaigns to educate drivers about the importance of stopping for school buses and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
2. Increased Patrols: Law enforcement can increase patrols in school zones during drop-off and pick-up times to monitor traffic and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
3. Parent Education: Parents should be informed about how to teach their children safe practices when approaching or leaving a school bus.
4. Community Engagement: Engaging the community in discussions about road safety can help foster a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
5. Use of Technology: Schools can explore the use of technology such as cameras on buses to capture the license plates of vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses.
   

   Conclusion: A Call for Action
   

   The incident involving a child narrowly avoiding a collision with a vehicle passing a school bus is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding road safety, particularly in school zones. It highlights the need for concerted efforts from parents, drivers, law enforcement, and community leaders to ensure the safety of children.

   As discussions continue around this alarming event, it is imperative for everyone to take responsibility for road safety. By fostering awareness and promoting safe practices, communities can work together to create a safer environment for children during their daily commutes to and from school.

   In conclusion, let this incident serve as a wake-up call not only for drivers but for everyone involved in the safety of our children. Awareness, education, and enforcement are key to preventing future incidents and ensuring our children can travel safely to school.

JUST IN — A child narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle that tried to pass a stationary Kanawha County school bus, according to Sheriff’s Deputies.

The event occurred on March 14, just before 3:45 p.m. in St. Albans.

The driver, identified as 48-year-old Kevin Webster from… pic.twitter.com/kG2acZCX0h

— Liberacrat (@Liberacrat) March 22, 2025

JUST IN — A Child Narrowly Escaped Being Hit by a Vehicle That Tried to Pass a Stationary Kanawha County School Bus

On March 14, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a troubling incident unfolded in St. Albans, West Virginia, leaving many in the community shaken. According to Sheriff’s Deputies, a child narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle that made the reckless decision to pass a stationary school bus. This situation highlights critical issues regarding road safety, especially when it involves children.

The Incident Details

As the clock approached 3:45 p.m., the scene was set near a school bus that had stopped to pick up children. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 48-year-old Kevin Webster, attempted to navigate around the bus, disregarding the safety protocols designed to protect children boarding or disembarking from school vehicles. This act of negligence could have had devastating consequences.

Luckily, the child managed to escape unharmed, but this close call serves as a wake-up call for parents, drivers, and the community at large. The Sheriff’s Department is taking this incident seriously, reminding everyone of the importance of adhering to traffic laws, especially where school buses are concerned.

Understanding the Risks

School buses are equipped with bright flashing lights and stop signs to alert drivers when children are getting on or off the bus. Unfortunately, not all drivers heed these warnings. The incident involving Kevin Webster is not an isolated case; it’s part of a broader pattern of unsafe driving behaviors observed around school zones. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), numerous accidents occur each year due to drivers failing to stop for school buses.

Community Response and Awareness

The St. Albans community has reacted with a mix of relief and outrage. Parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their children, particularly in light of this recent near-miss. Community leaders and local law enforcement are urging residents to engage in discussions about road safety, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and accountability among drivers.

Local schools are also stepping in to reinforce safety messages. Educational programs about pedestrian safety and the importance of obeying traffic laws are being implemented, providing children with the knowledge they need to stay safe. It’s crucial for drivers to recognize the impact of their actions on the lives of young pedestrians and their families.

The Legal Aspect

From a legal standpoint, attempting to pass a stationary school bus is not only dangerous but also illegal. The law is clear: drivers must stop when a school bus has its flashing lights activated and stop sign extended. Violating this law can result in hefty fines, points on a driver’s license, and even criminal charges in severe cases.

In the case of the incident involving Kevin Webster, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his actions. Depending on the findings, there could be legal repercussions for his reckless driving. This serves as a critical reminder that laws are in place for a reason, and safety should always come first.

Education as a First Step Toward Safety

Education plays a vital role in preventing accidents like the one that occurred in St. Albans. Schools and local organizations can host workshops and distribute materials that inform both parents and children about road safety. Teaching kids to be aware of their surroundings when getting on or off the bus is essential, but so is educating drivers about the laws and responsibilities they hold.

Additionally, community awareness campaigns can help keep the conversation alive. Engaging local businesses and organizations to sponsor safety events can encourage more residents to participate and spread the message. The more people talk about it, the more likely it is that drivers will remain vigilant and cautious in school zones.

What Can Drivers Do?

As a driver, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of pedestrians and especially children. Here are some practical steps to take:

• Always stop for school buses: If you see a school bus with its lights flashing, be prepared to stop, regardless of the direction you’re coming from.
• Stay alert: Look out for children near school zones. They may not always be aware of their surroundings, so it’s up to you to be cautious.
• Follow speed limits: Be mindful of speed limits in school zones, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.
• Stay off your phone: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Keep your focus on the road.

Conclusion

The incident on March 14 was a stark reminder of the dangers that come with careless driving around school buses. It’s imperative that we all commit to promoting safety for our children. By coming together as a community and spreading awareness, we can prevent future incidents and ensure that every child gets home safely after a long day at school.

For more information on traffic safety and local laws regarding school buses, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and stay informed about how to keep your community safe.