An Alabama school bus driver named Angela Lane Weaver, 47, allegedly fell asleep while driving. This resulted in her bus crashing, injuring seven students on Wednesday, February 12. Weaver has been placed on administrative leave since, and records show she has received various speeding tickets in the past.
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According to WALA, the bus crash took place on Mason Ferry Road. A crash report states that Weaver fell asleep, causing the bus to veer off the road on the right. Weaver overcorrected, leading the bus to veer toward the left side of the road. Finally, the bus struck a ditch and a tree, overturning as a result.
The Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) shared a statement with AL.com at the time, confirming that there were 14 students on the bus during the crash.
"We had a bus accident this afternoon which involved 14 students with currently three of the students being transported for injuries," the statement reads. "MCPSS officials and law enforcement officials are currently on the scene to assist with ensuring everyone's safety and to investigate the accident. Please keep our students in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from the injuries they sustained.
Speeding
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) shared an update with WPMI, stating that Weaver was also injured and transported to Spinrghill Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. WALA revealed that Weaver was driving the bus at a speed of 54 miles per hour. The speed limit at the zone, as per the crash report, is 45 miles per hour.
"ALEA has now released its report, which found that the driver's actions were in violation of bus safety rules and regulations," a statement issued by MCPSS reads. "This is a serious and concerning situation, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest level of safety for our students."
As a result of the incident, Weaver was placed on administrative leave initially but later returned to work. However, when more details surrounding the incident arose, she was again placed on administrative leave.
Ticket History
WMPI showed that Angela Lane Weaver has a history of speeding, with similar incidents taking place in 2021, 2023, and 2024. In 2021, she drove at 71 mph in a 45 mph zone. Two years later, in 2023, she drove at 74 mpg in a 55 mph zone. Finally, in September 2024, she drove at 80 mph in a 55 mph zone. She pleaded guilty to all three speeding tickets.
WALA also reported that students were aware of Weaver's driving. According to Tiffany Blankenchip, her daughter, who was on the bus during the February crash, previously expressed her concerns. "My daughter's told me on many occasions all the different issues that the bus driver had," Blankenchip said. "I truly don't think that the bus driver would intentionally hurt anyone, but I feel like it's negligent."
