Illinois Distracted Drivers Task Force: Distracted drivers who cause deaths should face prison sentence
According to a federal report that focuses on distracted driving behavior, putting your makeup on while driving is just as dangerous as using your cell phone or reading a book. Officials believe that distracted driving was key in a collision that cause the death of a Lake Zurich motorcyclist.
Illinois prosecutors are looking at whether Lora Hunt, 48 of Morris, should be charged criminally for polishing her nails while driving her car which struck and killed a motorcyclist.
The issue has been intensely debated in Illinois. Should a distraction like painting your nails while you drive be considered criminal behavior, comparable to driving under the influence?
In the accident that killed Anita Zaffke, 56 of Lake Zurich, Hunt admitted that she was painting her nails and did not see Zaffke until it was too late.
"We are looking into charges in the case," Assistant State's Atty, Patricia Fix said. "But we are waiting for results of blood and urine tests and waiting for the results of an accdient reconstrcution, as well as any other technical evidence we can derive from the scene."
State Rep. William Black (R-Danville) says the collision is one more example of the need to pass his proposed "negligent vehicular homicide" law. If convicted under the law, the penalty would be up to 3 years behind bars.
According to black, "our cars are entertainment centers and mobile offices." '"I've got to do my nails,' or "I've go to get this done before I get into the office.' It seems to be getting worse and worse."
On his drive (in one morning) to the state capital he witnessed three drivers reading, a driver fumbling with a map, a female driving applying her makeup and a man shaving.
A driver putting on makeup is 3 times likelier to have an accident than someone who is undistracted while driving. This compares to someone dialing a cell phone or texting.
These statistics helped drive the development of the Illinois Distracted Drivers Task Force. The task force believes that the legislation sponsored by Black would be an effective tool in reducing the amount of crashes caused by distracted drivers.
