Truck driver distracted while adjusting his radio sentenced to 15 years for fatal crash

A truck driver has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after crashing while adjusting his radio nearly five years ago. 

The crash happened on April 30th, 2020 on Interstate 75 in Macon, Georgia. 

According to 13 WMAZ, truck driver Arthur Waldrip was driving his commercial vehicle along I-75 when he looked down to adjust his radio. Driver-facing cameras show that Waldrip took his eyes off of the road for more than 20 seconds and traveled for over 100 yards before eventually crashing into the back of a car. 

Footage of the incident shows “debris exploding from” the car, driven by 70-year-old “beloved pastor,” Clifford Scott, “as it was crushed by the impact of the multi-ton truck driven by Waldrip,” reported The Telegraph – Macon.

“In those 20 seconds of distracted driving, a life was lost,” Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard said in a statement. “This case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from even momentary distracted driving.”

Waldrip pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide on Monday, April 7th. The District Attorney’s Office initially suggested a sentence of 15 years in prison with 10 served behind bars, while Waldrip’s Attorney argued for 3 years behind bars. The judge issued a sentence of 15 years with six to be served behind bars. After six years, Waldrip will have the opportunity to serve the remainder of his sentence on probation.