Distracted Truck Driver Gets 25 Years After Fatal Crash

By: ClassADrivers.com


Photo by Hello I’m Nik on Unsplash

One of the biggest dangers of driving an 80,000 pound truck is distracted driving. Not only can distracted driving injure or even kill the driver, but anyone around the driver, even miles down the road, may suffer the consequences. As a result, a single moment of distracted driving can also ruin the life of a truck driver, as found out by Jerry Elder.

Elder Gets 25 Years

In September 2019, truck driver Jerry Elder caused a fatal accident. According to police, Elder, now 47 years old, was driving his truck on I-64 West while simultaneously using his smartphone to watch a video.

I-64 West, though, had lane closures and other construction, and as a result, the traffic had slowed dramatically near Exit 58.

Elder failed to notice the slowed traffic, however, due to his distraction. His truck slammed into the back of two other vehicles. Jeffrey Curtis, the 61-year-old driver of the first struck vehicle, died on the scene.

Signs had been posted for up to four miles warning of lane closures and potential slowed traffic. Elder had no excuses.

He plead guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, and first-degree wanton endangerment.

On August 13th, Elder was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He is eligible for parole after 5 years.

Distracted Driving is Serious for Truckers

While truck driving as a career can take you all around the country, much of the ride is spent on highways. Drivers spend long stretches of road staring at the same scenery.

Also, because truck drivers are paid by the mile, they are incentivized to continue to drive even if they are bored or tired.

If you are considering truck driving as a career, please consider how to tackle boredom on the road, so you are not tempted to pick up your phone and watch a video or indulge in any other distraction.

Many drivers listen to music. If music becomes too boring and familiar, there are any number of podcasts and audiobooks that will tell you a story or help you learn something new while your eyes stay fixated on the road.