FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A Lee County school bus driver has been removed from her route after video surfaced of the driver watching videos behind the wheel.
The case of distracted driving was caught on camera by 12-year-old 6th grader Zoe Holden.
The video purportedly shows the driver of the bus with a cell phone on her lap as an unidentifiable video plays. Students say she watches Game of Thrones regularly. The video also appears to show headphones connected to the driver's cell phone.
"The kids are in the back talking about the fact she's watching TV while driving, I mean, to me that's insane," said Christian Holden.
He says his daughter Zoe is now afraid of riding her school bus. "It's really dangerous for all of us especially since we’re only in middle school and if she were to get in a crash it would be really bad,” said Zoe.
The 6th grader has been riding the bus for six months and says she often catches the driver watching videos, and even going on social media.
Zoe says once a friend even saw the driver run a red light. "The light turned red and that she went right by it and I was kinda like, oh god!" said Zoe.
"The whole thing is very frustrating you know, you think that if it happens once, great. And to know that nothing's been done even though we've contacted them multiple times by multiple parents. And it almost leaves you in a state of disbelief," said Holden.
Fox 4 reached out to the Lee County School District to ask about their policy on drivers using cell phones. A transportation official said drivers aren't allowed to use them unless there is an emergency. And in this case the district removed the driver from the route while they investigate the incident.
For concerned parents like Mr. Holden, the driver's behavior raises concerns over whether the very best being is hired. "You're driving, you know, a 6 ton vehicle full of kids down the road at 50 mph and you're going to watch Netflix...it's inexcusable."
