Truck driver sentenced to 22 years after causing fatal crash due to distracted driving

A truck driver in Arizona was responsible for the deaths of five individuals due to his negligence in using TikTok while driving, resulting in a car accident. The driver has accepted his guilt and has been sentenced to over twenty years in prison.

On January 12, 2023, Danny Tiner, a 38-year-old commercial tractor-trailer truck driver, was using the TikTok application when his actions resulted in a six-vehicle crash. This incident was reported in a news article on August 19, 2024, where Tiner was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for causing the fatal accident on the I-10 highway in Chandler.

The collision took place on Interstate 10 in Chandler, Arizona. While Tiner survived, five individuals lost their lives in the pileup, where two cars were wedged between another semi-truck.

In June of that year, Tiner was arrested for causing the crash. He pleaded guilty to five counts of negligent homicide as the truck driver.

On Monday, August 19, 2024, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declared that Tiner has been sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison. Nevertheless, he will be granted a 415-day bereavement for the duration of his time served in jail.

At the time of the accident, the truck driver was driving at a speed of over 68MPH in a construction zone with a speed limit of 55MPH.

@freestylemediaofficial 36-Year-Old Arrested for Fatal I-10 Crash That Claimed 5 Lives, Linked to TikTok Use Authorities have apprehended a 36-year-old man, #DannyGTiner, in connection with a tragic crash on the I-10 in Chandler, Arizona. The collision, occurring on January 12, took place in the eastbound lanes near Chandler Boulevard. The incident involved a commercial tractor-trailer loaded with garbage that rear-ended two vehicles while driving into stopped traffic, ultimately crushing them against another semi, as stated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS revealed in a news release that Tiner was taken into custody at his residence on Thursday, facing multiple charges related to the January accident, including five counts of manslaughter. The investigation disclosed that Tiner was driving at a speed of 68 mph in a 55 mph construction zone, and crucially, he was actively engaged in using TikTok on his cellphone moments before the collision occurred. Regrettably, the crash resulted in the loss of five lives. #tiktok #instagram #youtube #news #explore #explorepage ♬ original sound – Freestyle

According to officials, Tiner acknowledged receiving a notification on his tablet. However, when he lifted his head after checking his device, he was unable to brake in time to prevent a collision.

The truck driver, who was arrested in 2023, had a $300,000 bond set at the time. Initially, he was charged with five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that it is the responsibility of drivers to remain mindful of the road.

Choosing to access social media while driving, endangering the lives of others, is a reckless decision.

“Although five families are currently experiencing the anguish of losing a loved one, our justice system cannot alleviate their pain. However, it can hold the individual responsible accountable, and we have successfully accomplished that objective.”

The sentencing of Tiner was attended by the families of the accident victims, who shared their thoughts on the loss of their loved ones.

According to Sarah Standifird, the mother of 28-year-old victim Andrew Standifird, four people tragically lost their lives in the car that was involved in the accident. There were no survivors, as the car in front of them also had fatalities.

Dan Hamer, a popular TikToker, was involved in a car accident earlier this year. Although the accident was not a result of distracted driving, Hamer had to have his jaw wired shut in order to recover from his injuries.

A Florida Instagram model is currently facing charges for her involvement in a deadly car accident. According to reports, she stated that she was under the influence of “pink cocaine”and believed she was from the future at the time of her arrest.