Get All Access for $5/mo

Truck Driver Who Killed Five in Tragic Car Crash Was Watching TikTok While Driving, According to a New Report The crash took place on January 12 near Chandler, Arizona.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Arizona Department of Public Safety
The site of the crash on Interstate 10 near Chandler Boulevard

Watching TikTok while driving is reportedly to blame for a deadly crash that left five people dead in Arizona on January 12, according to a news release from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

A 36-year-old man named Danny G. Tiner was driving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 10 when he claimed he received a work message on an electronic tablet and checked it, not noticing that traffic had stopped. Tiner's truck, which was hauling an open-top trailer with garbage in it, rear-ended two cars, crushing them between his vehicle and another commercial truck.

The second truck then lurched forward and hit two more cars.

Tiner willingly handed over his phone to officials and was immediately investigated by the FBI.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety initially cited distracted driving as a potential cause of the crash, but the investigation found that Tiner was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and "actively using" TikTok on his phone at the time of the accident.

In January 2021, Arizona instated the Arizona Hands-Off Law, which makes it illegal to "use a stand-alone electronic device while driving, unless the device is in hands-free mode."

This includes cell phones, tablets, music devices, and gaming devices.

The law states that it is illegal to "scroll through social media, watch videos, record videos, or any other use of the device that causes a distraction and requires the use of your body."

Tiner is being charged with five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

It is unclear how much prison time he may face if convicted.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.