Truck driver sentenced to 15 years in 2020 Macon crash that killed Pastor Clifford Scott

A commercial truck driver has been sentenced to 15 years, with six to be served in custody, after pleading guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide in a distracted driving crash that killed a Macon pastor nearly five years ago.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A commercial truck driver has been sentenced to 15 years, with six to be served in custody, after pleading guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide in a distracted driving crash that killed a Macon pastor nearly five years ago.

According to a news release from the Office of Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard, Arthur Waldrip received his sentence on Monday in Bibb County Superior Court. The conviction follows a deadly wreck on April 30, 2020, that claimed the life of 70-year-old Clifford Scott.

Prosecutors said Waldrip was adjusting his radio with his eyes completely off the road for about 20 seconds before slamming into Scott’s vehicle with his multi-ton truck. Video footage from inside the cab captured the moment of impact, showing debris exploding from Scott’s vehicle as it was crushed.

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

During sentencing, the judge said Waldrip traveled a distance longer than a football field while not looking at the road. “The judge emphasized the dangers of distracted driving, particularly when operating large commercial vehicles,” the release stated.

Waldrip’s defense team asked for a two-to three-year prison sentence. Assistant District Attorney Michele Harris pushed for the maximum: 15 years, with 10 to be served in custody.

The court ultimately handed down the 15-year sentence with six years to be served behind bars.