OSAGE – A woman who caused a fatal car versus bicycle accident due to her texting while driving was slapped with minor penalties as a result.
According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, 20-year-old Grace Harken of Riceville was riding a bicycle eastbound on Highway 218 near the 249 mile marker east of Osage Wednesday morning, July 29, 2015, at about 7:23 AM. At that time, a 2013 Toyota Corolla driven by 24-year-old Courtney Johnson of Osage was also traveling east when Johnson struck Harken, who was killed.
After an investigation by law enforcement, Johnson was charged with three violations in the fatal accident.
After a guilty plea to the charge of operating a vehicle too close to a bicyclist, Johnson was ordered by a judge to pay $397.50 in fines and court fees. She also pleaded guilty to using a communication device while driving (texting) and was ordered to pay $1470.50 in fines and court fee. Johnson will also lose her driver’s license.
A charge of failure to maintain control was dismissed.
no probation. misdemeanors get probation? This justice system is BROKEN
If you guys think this gal didn’t get much punishment, try this one!! http://northiowatoday.com/2016/07/15/iowa-woman-guilty-of-felony-for-texting-while-driving-and-causing-serious-accident/
The article doesn’t tell it all. She lost her license for 180 days (6 months) and the fine drops to $500 if she completes her community service. Not much of a price for someone’s life. Texting while driving should be a major crime. It endangers everyone of the road
Maybe vehicular homicide would be fitting. At least she lost her license besides fines. 🙁
This punishment is PATHETIC ! Laws need to be changed immediately. She deserves prison for manslaughter !
Ridiculous knowing that the deceased womans life was only worth 2000 dollars…this lady she be in prison..vehicular homicide..no different than someone getting behind the wheel impaired.
This makes me sick, we have the technology to prevent texting while driving, why is it not mandatory? If the vehicle is moving, you can’t text, they use it in my workplace, why not make it mandatory?