It’s bad enough to see 4-wheeler drivers staring at their phones while driving down the interstate, but much worse when it’s someone in control of a vehicle that can weigh 80,000 pounds. The mayhem and destruction that can occur when a combination vehicle goes rogue due to a distracted driver is the stuff nightmares are made of.
One such instance is providing a chilling example of why looking at a cell phone while driving a truck is a horrible idea, no matter what level of experience the driver has. Indeed, CMV driver Jerry Elder has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after an at-fault crash killed one and injured another.
The crash occurred in Franklin County, Kentucky in September of 2019. According to police Jerry Elder was not only looking at his phone, he was actually watching videos while driving. At some point his truck slammed into a Jeep on interstate 64 and the rest is very unfortunate history. Elder faced multiple charges including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment.
He was sentenced to 25 years in prison with eligibility for parole coming at 5 years.
One minute your watching videos while driving down the road… the next you’re in prison with your life and that of others completely destroyed.
Be safe. Make good decisions. Drive to thrive.
-Eric
