MCTS bus crashes; navigating winter weather safely
MILWAUKEE - Navigating winter weather with its icy roads and freezing temperatures is just the inevitable reality of Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee County Transit System knows how imperative it is to stay vigilant, especially following two crashes involving two buses over the last couple of weeks.
12 years. That’s how long Marcellus Robinson has sat behind the wheel for MCTS. He knows driving in the winter can be a challenge for even the most experienced driver.
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"You got snow, you got the rain that makes it more slippery," Robinson said. "I've seen the buses that have been involved in accidents, and people that have been involved with accidents. They are pretty traumatic."
During the first three months of 2024, MCTS said the number of crashes involving its buses spiked more than 40%.
"Sometimes, drivers not paying attention, being inattentive, cutting buses off in front of traffic," Robinson said.
Keeping passengers safe isn't only Robinson's responsibility, but every driver on the road.
"We all trying to get somewhere, and we all trying to get somewhere safely," he said.
It’s illegal to turn right in front of buses. Robinson also says follow at a distance and brake early as it takes longer for buses to stop.
He also said to "rock-and-roll" at every red light, but he’s not talking about jamming out to music.
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"When you're trying to see what's going on to the left or the right of you, you want to rock and roll so you can see behind these pillars," Robinson said.
These precautions could be the difference between life and death.
"I'm trying to get home at the end of night. I'm gonna do everything safely as possible, so I can make it home," Robinson said.
MCTS relies on an ordinance that requires property owners to remove snow from bus stops. This is important to keep in mind this winter, as seniors and people with disabilities need a clear path to the bus.