RUNNELLS, IOWA – In what some prosecutors are saying is the first of its kind in Iowa, an Iowa woman was prosecuted and found guilty of a felony for texting while driving and causing a serious accident.
The culprit was Lydia Ellen George, age 20 of Runnells, Iowa. She was sentenced on July 14, 2016 for texting while driving causing serious injury. The Honorable Judge William Kelly presided over the sentencing. The Polk County Attorney’s Office believes this is the first case of its kind prosecuted in Iowa.
George was charged with Reckless Driving Causing Serious Injury, a Class D Felony. This stems from an incident on October 9, 2015 where George was driving her Ford Excursion in rural Polk County near Runnells. George’s passengers had asked George to stop texting because she was scaring them. She continued to text while behind the wheel which ultimately resulted in a crash causing serious injuries to one of her passengers.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident. During the investigation, George admitted that the crash was caused by texting while driving.
George was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for two years. She was ordered to complete a driver’s improvement course through Des Moines Area Community College and 140 hours of community service (40 hours of which are to be used to raise public awareness about the dangers of texting while driving).
Looking at her face, I don’t think she gives a crap. They told the idiot to stop and she didn’t. Can’t wait till they get lawyers and sue her and her family. Stupid idiot! But we have all texted and drive!
Just wondering…… if texting while driving is illegal what about giving or receiving road head? The weekend is approaching.
I have personally seen MC Police text while driving.
very similar to when they total out vehicles, or hit parked cars while leaving a party, they are immune and above the law
They should change the laws and make texting and driving a major penalty. They are endangering everyone on the roads.