Painting Nails While Driving: Nurse Faces Up To Five Years For Killing Motorcyclist

[2WheelGuy]

From a press release issued by AMA

Woman painting fingernails while driving convicted in motorcyclist's death

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- A woman who was painting her fingernails while driving and smashed into motorcyclist Anita Zaffke, killing her, has been convicted of felony reckless homicide, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Lora Hunt, 49, reportedly showed no emotion when the jury read the verdict after deliberating a little more than three hours on May 6. The trial lasted two days.

Hunt, a nurse, faces up to five years in prison when she is sentenced next month.

Zaffke, 56, was killed when Hunt, who police said admitted she was painting her fingernails at the time of the crash, smashed into the back of Zaffke's motorcycle at a stoplight in Lake Zurich, Ill., about 40 miles north of Chicago, on May 2, 2009.

At the trial, Hunt testified she had stopped painting her nails before the fatal crash. Her defense lawyer argued Hunt's actions were negligent, like eating a sandwich or talking on a cellphone in a car, and not reckless, according to the Chicago Tribune.

But Assistant State's Attorney Mike Mermel, who prosecuted the case, argued that Hunt acted recklessly, the newspaper said.

"It is not the same as biting a sandwich. ...It's a voluntary disablement," the newspaper quoted Mermel as saying. "She might as well have been in the back seat making a sandwich."

Greg Zaffke II of Wauconda, Ill., the victim's son, told WGN News following the verdict: "There are no winners today. There is no celebration or happiness. Two families will forever carry the hurt and anguish caused by one person's reckless actions behind the wheel."

After the fatal crash, Zaffke began painting his fingernails black as a reminder to anyone he meets of his mother's death. And he formed the Black Nail Brigade Foundation Against Distracted Driving (www.BlackNailBrigade.org) to publicize the dangers of distracted driving, push for legislation to impose appropriate penalties for distracted drivers who seriously injure or kill others, and to boost awareness to share the road with motorcycles.

He told WGN News that the Black Nail Brigade efforts transcend his mom's death.

"I love my mom, but I understand that. There are other loved ones dying," he said.

"On behalf of the AMA and its members, I want to express our sincere condolences to Ms. Zaffke's family," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "This episode puts into stark relief the tragedy that can result from distracted driving, and we hope that our efforts and those of Greg Zaffke will help avoid further tragedies."

In 2009, the AMA adopted a formal position statement that endorsed enhanced penalties for those who injure or kill others while operating a motor vehicle when distracted or inattentive operation is involved, with the goal of preventing motorcycle crashes from occurring in the first place. To read the AMA's position statement on distracted and inattentive driving, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/positions/distracted.asp.


About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

[austexjg]

I hate seeing drivers doing everthing else but driving - I think that putting cup holders in cars was the turning point for distracted drivers. They think that driving is secondary to talking, looking at self in rear view mirror, putting on make-up, fixing the hairdo, and yelling at the kids, or something other than eyes on the road.

I think we should be more responsible when driving - it is a complex task.

[Snake]

I seems to me that people today do not take driving a 2,000+ lb vehicle very seriously. The same as with motorcycle training and education I feel that drivers education and training should be much harder than it is now.

[Snake]

Originally Posted by austexjg

I hate seeing drivers doing everthing else but driving - I think that putting cup holders in cars was the turning point for distracted drivers. They think that driving is secondary to talking, looking at self in rear view mirror, putting on make-up, fixing the hairdo, and yelling at the kids, or something other than eyes on the road.

I think we should be more responsible when driving - it is a complex task.

I think it all started when they started putting radio's in cars.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by austexjg

I hate seeing drivers doing everthing else but driving - I think that putting cup holders in cars was the turning point for distracted drivers. They think that driving is secondary to talking, looking at self in rear view mirror, putting on make-up, fixing the hairdo, and yelling at the kids, or something other than eyes on the road.

I think we should be more responsible when driving - it is a complex task.

JG, You are so on target that it is frightening. Whatever happened to common sense? Thank you. Your take on this matter is a breath of fresh air. Thought you needed to know that

[austexjg]

Thanks Sailariel...

[randomwalk101]

Hmm..5 years to take a life? Hmm...

[mrlmd]

This was the original site - go here and get the whole story, look at all the links.

http://www.blacknailbrigade.org/#

[CC Cowboy]

It should not only be 5 years but also she should never be allowed to drive again.

[Yoda]

If I remember correctly the felony conviction also nulls out her medical license. And even if it doesnt stuff like that will come up under a medical back ground check and since it was "reckless" any medical practioner would refuse to touch something like that because of the hit they would get on malpractice insurance/liability.

[HKr1]

Probation, or 5 years

Her lawyers comment:

Had Lora Hunt been eating a sandwich or dialing her cell phone instead of polishing her nails when she struck and killed a motorcyclist, she would not now stand convicted of reckless homicide, her lawyer contends.

Dicks talking on cell phones should get 1000.00 dolllar tickets!<1st off IMO

[Cab305]

Originally Posted by Snake

I think it all started when they started putting radio's in cars.

I think it all started when they started - cars

[izmail1215]

my friend had a crash last month by a fat lady texting and i was at Cort they read the message it was food related... >

[Flow]

Originally Posted by Snake

I seems to me that people today do not take driving a 2,000+ lb vehicle very seriously.

I completely agree. These days when I'm out for a ride, I almost never see someone focusing on the road.

California's laws regarding the matter should be made a federal law.
From what I remember, it's illegal to have a phone in your hand. You can talk on one with speaker-phone or a headset but you can't hold one.

Maybe I'm just uptight, but I find it infuriating to see someone talking on the phone while driving or just not paying attention to the road.

[tabogon]

It's already been proven by a dozen colleges that talking on a cellphone is just as, if not worse than, driving at the legal BAC level.

I think driving and talking on a cellphone, hands free or not, should be illegal. Period.

[capt_bugaloo]

Now let's just hope the judge slam dunks the killer-driver into prison for the maximum, and not some "slap on the wrist" penalty.
Posted via Mobile Device

[tabogon]

I don't know what's worse really, the fact that she thought it was ok to do something like that while driving, or the fact that that kind of person was a nurse.

I'd paint my nails black for that, too bad the Navy won't let me

[Rayme]

Sad thing is driving under the influence is still one of the biggest cause of car crashes, and there is already a law against that. People simply won't learn / keeps thinking they'll do fine anyway. I think we need stricter penalty.

Though I remember reading that newsbit about the nurse painting her nail, there was nail polish splattered over the inside of her car after the crash, sounds guilty to me.

[addy126]

Her medical licence requires that she "save" lives not take them. Fingernail polishing while driving unbelievable.... when will all these ridiculous driving habits be outlawed when operating a motor vehicle. It has gotten way out of hand. Considering her profession... her penalty should be far more severe.

[Snake]

Originally Posted by addy126

Her medical licence requires that she "save" lives not take them. Fingernail polishing while driving unbelievable.... when will all these ridiculous driving habits be outlawed when operating a motor vehicle. It has gotten way out of hand. Considering her profession... her penalty should be far more severe.

I agree, 5 yrs is way too low of a penalty.

[toast]

Originally Posted by Flow

California's laws regarding the matter should be made a federal law.
From what I remember, it's illegal to have a phone in your hand. You can talk on one with speaker-phone or a headset but you can't hold one.

Maybe I'm just uptight, but I find it infuriating to see someone talking on the phone while driving or just not paying attention to the road.

BC's law banning the use of hand-held electronic devices by drivers came into effect earlier this year. Aside from the early police blitz in the "warning period" people have reverted back to using them just as much as before.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that talking on a hands-free device isn't much safer than using a cell phone, but the bigger worry here is text-messaging and people fiddling with their GPS and i-pods.

[skiba]

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

Hunt, a nurse, faces up to five years in prison

There's a nice little helping of injustice.

[Apex]

What I hate is I was on my motorcycle one day and noticed a lady in a SUV. She had her phone in both hands, with her wrists leaning against the steering wheel, traveling 45mph. I could see directly into her eyes, not once did she look up to see where she was going.

I don't think it is the car that did this one, it is our laws and culture. Americans have been raised to think "I need this and I need it NOW!!" People don't have any patience anymore. A simple example of this is watch drivers during rush hour, heck at anytime. Drive the speed limit and count how many cars DON'T pass you. I went down the highway in my car one day thinking, who won't pass me if I go the speed limit. So I got on there doing 65, and set it on cruise. I only noticed ONE car that didn't pass me. Everyone else was doing a good 5-20mph faster than me. Fast food is another thing. Since when is it bad to have to WAIT for your food?

Seriously, Americans especially have been pre-programmed to want everything right away. We are told to upgrade our cars every 4 years, need bigger and faster motors, need bigger cars, trucks and SUVs. Give me a freaking break people and calm down. I'm telling you, 90% of the people in this country, if not more, could use a healthy dose of yoga or something to calm them down.

Heaven forbid if you pass up a call when you are driving. I think it is about 9 times out of 10 that I pass up a phone call while driving. That is why I like my motorcycle so much. I don't use a iPod, cell phone, radio, or anything else like that. I simply enjoy the ride. How many people can drive to work without the radio on? I'm sure it is less than you think. I will constantly turn off my radio. You are actually more relaxed because it is one less thing your mind has to concentrate on.

[tjkamper]

Originally Posted by HKr1

Her lawyers comment:
Had Lora Hunt been eating a sandwich or dialing her cell phone instead of polishing her nails when she struck and killed a motorcyclist, she would not now stand convicted of reckless homicide, her lawyer contends.

She wasn't eating damn sandwich! She wasn't dialing a cell phone! Even if she was she was being irresponsible behand the wheel of a car. She thought her fingernails were more important than a human life.

I hope she got the full 5 years.

[skiba]

Originally Posted by Apex

What I hate is I was on my motorcycle one day and noticed a lady in a SUV. She had her phone in both hands, with her wrists leaning against the steering wheel, traveling 45mph. I could see directly into her eyes, not once did she look up to see where she was going.

I don't think it is the car that did this one, it is our laws and culture. Americans have been raised to think "I need this and I need it NOW!!" People don't have any patience anymore. A simple example of this is watch drivers during rush hour, heck at anytime. Drive the speed limit and count how many cars DON'T pass you. I went down the highway in my car one day thinking, who won't pass me if I go the speed limit. So I got on there doing 65, and set it on cruise. I only noticed ONE car that didn't pass me. Everyone else was doing a good 5-20mph faster than me. Fast food is another thing. Since when is it bad to have to WAIT for your food?

Seriously, Americans especially have been pre-programmed to want everything right away. We are told to upgrade our cars every 4 years, need bigger and faster motors, need bigger cars, trucks and SUVs. Give me a freaking break people and calm down. I'm telling you, 90% of the people in this country, if not more, could use a healthy dose of yoga or something to calm them down.

Heaven forbid if you pass up a call when you are driving. I think it is about 9 times out of 10 that I pass up a phone call while driving. That is why I like my motorcycle so much. I don't use a iPod, cell phone, radio, or anything else like that. I simply enjoy the ride. How many people can drive to work without the radio on? I'm sure it is less than you think. I will constantly turn off my radio. You are actually more relaxed because it is one less thing your mind has to concentrate on.

It's not just Americans, it's western culture in general. When you look at how technology has been advancing in the last two or three centuries, things are just growing exponentially. A friend of mine and I were talking about this recently. The easiest way to describe it: Things got faster. Everything got faster. I mean, who uses a simple *manual* toothbrush these days? That's just absurd

We can thank (or not thank, as the case may be!) the Industrial Revolution for all of this speed.

[Nny]

Well, it looks like if I ever wanted to kill anyone all I have to do is get behind the wheel of my car and say I was distracted. Alot better than pulling a trigger and getting 25 to life for the same crime. I mean, the worst case scenario is 5 years? That isn't bad.

Ahem, seriously though. I really dont see the difference. NOT looking at the road while moving a 2 ton vehicle at 45+ MPH is just the same as walking down the street blindly swinging a knife.