Driver Jailed for Manslaughter After Watching TikTok During Fatal Collision
In a tragic and avoidable incident, 38-year-old lorry driver Danny Tiner has been sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison after causing a fatal crash that claimed five lives in Arizona. The crash, which occurred in January 2023 southeast of Phoenix, was a result of Tiner’s reckless decision to watch TikTok videos while driving.
Forensic investigations revealed that Tiner was not only distracted by his phone but was also speeding, traveling at 68 mph in a 55 mph zone on Interstate 10 in Chandler. His actions led to a fiery six-vehicle pile-up, resulting in the deaths of Andrew Standifird, Gilberto Franco, Willis Thompson, Ryan Gooding, and Gerardo Vazquez.
Rachel Mitchell, the Maricopa County Attorney, condemned Tiner’s actions, highlighting the irreversible damage caused to the victims’ families. “While the justice system can never relieve that pain, it can hold the person responsible accountable. We achieved that goal,” Mitchell stated.
This case marks the first time in Arizona that a driver has been convicted for causing a fatal collision while using social media, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The department emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, urging drivers to prioritize safety by putting away their phones while on the road.
Tiner was arrested at his home last June, facing multiple charges, including five counts of manslaughter and four counts of endangerment. The Maricopa County District Attorney’s office revealed that Tiner had watched at least four TikTok videos during the fateful drive.
Authorities hope this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of undivided attention on the road.
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Driver Jailed for Manslaughter After Watching TikTok During Fatal Collision
