In a tragic case that underscores the dangers of distracted driving, Danny Glen Tiner, 37, has been sentenced to 22½ years in prison after being convicted of five counts of negligent homicide. The sentencing follows a horrific accident on January 12, 2023, when Tiner, driving a semi-truck, caused a devastating six-vehicle collision on Interstate 10 near Wildhorse Pass Boulevard.
The crash occurred in a 55-mph construction zone, but GPS data revealed that Tiner was driving at 68 mph. The high-speed collision resulted in several vehicles, including two semi-trucks, catching fire. Tragically, five people lost their lives at the scene.
A crucial piece of evidence in the case was the digital forensic data showing that Tiner was distracted by social media in the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators discovered that Tiner had swiped through at least four TikTok videos while driving, including seconds before the fatal collision.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who announced the sentencing, emphasized the severity of Tiner’s actions. “As a driver, you have an obligation to pay attention to the road. To choose to access social media while driving, placing the lives of others on the line, is reckless,”
3,308 persons lost their lives in crashes caused by distraction, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2022. This represents a about 6% drop from the 3,521 fatalities in 2021.
Mitchell said. “Five families are living through the pain of losing a loved one. While the justice system can never relieve that pain, it can hold the person responsible accountable. We achieved that goal.”
