DPS: Distracted Driver Slams Big Pickup into Back of School Bus

A Grape Creek ISD school bus was rear-ended early Friday morning while transporting school children to school.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Grape Creek ISD’s yellow 2001 International School Bus was northbound on Fruitland Road, but stopped awaiting the right-of-way to turn right onto FM 2105.

Meanwhile, a white 2009 Ford F-250 was northbound approaching the stopped school bus from behind. DPS said that it appeared that the driver of the Ford began to decelerate, but, they report, the driver became distracted.

By the time the driver realized that a crash would happen, he slammed into the rear of the school bus.

There were no injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. The roadway was dry and the sky was cloudy this morning. DPS reported that the school bus had minor damage.

DPS issued the Ford driver citations for Failure to Control Speed and operating a vehicle without insurance.

The driver’s name was Christopher George Jernigan, 38, of San Angelo, DPS reported.

Senior Trooper Steve Torres, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, San Angelo, was the investigating officer.