An Arizona truck driver, Danny Tiner, was sentenced to over 22 years in prison for causing a fatal crash while distracted by watching TikTok videos. The accident, which occurred on January 12, 2023, resulted in the deaths of five people on Interstate 10 in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix. Authorities revealed that Tiner was driving at 68 mph in a 55 mph construction zone when the collision occurred, involving six vehicles, including two commercial trucks.
Following a lengthy investigation, Tiner, 38, was arrested on June 29, 2023. He was initially charged with multiple offenses, including five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment, and one count of tampering with evidence. However, he later pleaded guilty to five counts of negligent homicide, resulting in a 22½-year prison sentence. Each count carries a consecutive sentence of 4½ years. Tiner will also receive credit for 415 days already served in jail.
The investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety found that Tiner had been distracted by social media at the time of the crash. Tiner admitted that he was looking at a message on his work tablet, and when he looked back at the road, traffic had stopped, and he was unable to brake in time. Further investigation revealed that Tiner had been using TikTok on his phone while driving through the construction zone.
The crash was significant, marking the first time in the department’s history that a driver was convicted for causing a fatal accident due to social media distraction. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the importance of drivers paying attention to the road, calling Tiner’s actions reckless. She expressed sympathy for the families of the victims, noting that while the justice system cannot heal their pain, it can hold individuals accountable. “Five families are living through the pain of losing a loved one,” Mitchell said. “While the justice system can never relieve that pain, it can hold the person responsible accountable.”
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly when drivers choose to engage with social media behind the wheel, putting the lives of others at serious risk.