July 23rd - The automobile driver who crashed into motorcyclist Anita Zaffke last year, killing her, has been sentenced to 18 months of limited imprisonment. The motorist, Lora Hunt, ignited outrage within the motorcycling community when she admitted to police that she was painting her fingernails at the time of the accident, which took place in a Chicago suburb.
Hunt was sentenced on July 22 by Lake County (Ill.) Judge Fred Foreman after being convicted on May 6 of reckless homicide.
Hunt is a nurse, and will be allowed to work during the day as well as go to counseling sessions during her jail sentence.
The Morris, Ill., resident must also perform 240 hours of community service and spend 30 months on probation.
Anita Zaffke, 56, of Lake Zurich, Ill., was killed on May 2, 2009 when Hunt ran into the rear of her motorcycle at a stoplight in Lake Zurich, about 40 miles north of Chicago.
After the crash, Greg Zaffke II of Wauconda, Ill., the victim's son, began painting his fingernails black as a reminder of his mother's death.
He also 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.