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Judge convicts driver in I‑75 merge crash; orders probation, safety course and fine
Summary
A Clayton County State Court judge found Damone Bailey guilty of improper lane change after a November 2023 crash on I‑75 and sentenced him to 12 months probation with a required Alive at 25 course and a $200 fine (surcharges apply). The truck driver who was struck sought restitution for hours lost and other damages.
A judge in Clayton County State Court found Damone Bailey guilty on Thursday of improper lane change following a November 2023 crash on I‑75 and imposed supervised probation and a fine.
The conviction stems from testimony that the pickup driven by Bailey struck the front right bumper of a commercial truck as traffic merged toward the airport exit. Judge Tammy Long Hayward said the court accepted evidence and testimony that Bailey attempted a lane movement in the merge area that led to the collision.
Why it matters: The judge imposed 12 months of probation and required Bailey to complete the Alive at 25 defensive‑driving program for younger drivers, and ordered a $200 fine (the judge noted surcharges will apply and that probation can be terminated after the class and payment). The truck driver, Wayne Saffer, told the court the crash disrupted his work schedule, caused time lost on the load and contributed to significant stress and travel disruptions.
Prosecutor Tipton told the court the state’s evidence showed the lane change was unsafe and asked for a sentence including probation and the safety course. Bailey testified and denied speeding to beat the truck; he said he had attempted to merge and that a truck in front of him limited his options. The judge cited the “last clear chance” principle and emphasized that drivers must avoid escalating situations with large commercial vehicles.
Judge Hayward’s ruling and sentence were reached after live testimony from the truck driver and responding officers. The judge also set probation reporting and directed Bailey to work with probation staff on class enrollment and payment arrangements.
Court details: The court record shows the citation was tried on the April 30 bench calendar; testimony from the commercial driver and the responding officers formed the basis for the judge’s finding.
Outcome and next steps: Bailey was ordered to enroll in Alive at 25, remain on supervised probation and pay the fine and surcharges; probation will terminate after completion and payment. The clerk’s office and probation staff will supply Bailey with enrollment and payment instructions.
