Have a read of this gem...

[VTEC_Inside]

I'm going to think about this a bit more before I reply if I do at all....

http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/2525278,nail-polish-driver-sentenced-072210.article

[hotrodalex]

Seems rather harsh, especially compared to other crimes that get a much easier punishment.

Having accidentally killed someone is also a punishment in and of itself.

[dazzleman]

Seems rather harsh, especially compared to other crimes that get a much easier punishment.

Having accidentally killed someone is also a punishment in and of itself.

Not sure I agree, Alex.  I think distracted driving is a real problem, and maybe some harsh penalties for causing injury or death while doing things that you have no business doing while you're driving will make a difference.

[VTEC_Inside]

Seems rather harsh, especially compared to other crimes that get a much easier punishment.

Having accidentally killed someone is also a punishment in and of itself.

This wasn't an accident, she was painting her nails while driving. It was never a question of IF, it was always a question of who and when.

[dazzleman]

This wasn't an accident, she was painting her nails while driving. It was never a question of IF, it was always a question of who and when.

That's an important distinction that is often lost today.  In our society, we don't like to take responsibility for anything, so everything is an 'accident' or a 'tragedy' even if somebody's actions caused it.

To me, an accident is something that happens that couldn't have been forseen or prevented by a reasonable person, or something that happens as a result of an innocent mistake.  Not looking at the road while you're driving is not a mistake; it is an act of negligence.  And this woman was convicted of that.

[Northlands]

Painting nails while driving is very very stupid. In this case she ended someone's life. When you're piloting 3k pounds or more of vehicle, pay the fuck attention. I realize jailing middle aged white ladies ain't popular in the public view if it isn't an assault or murder, but people simply have to be accountable for the stupid things and behaviors they commit. She may as well have been drinking and driving. That's how much attention she was paying to the road.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

She should be doing at least 10 years! And yes I am a biased motorcyclist that has been hit by unattentive females TWICE! I swear females get away with soo much shit when it comes to driving!!! PISSES ME OFF!

[hotrodalex]

Not sure I agree, Alex.  I think distracted driving is a real problem, and maybe some harsh penalties for causing injury or death while doing things that you have no business doing while you're driving will make a difference.

I agree that's it's her fault. I'm just saying that I've seen worse crimes go (comparatively) unpunished. If this is the punishment for killing someone while driving a car, then the punishments for other crimes should be equally tough.

[Cookie Monster]

I agree that's it's her fault. I'm just saying that I've seen worse crimes go (comparatively) unpunished. If this is the punishment for killing someone while driving a car, then the punishments for other crimes should be equally tough.

You serious?! She got off way too fucking easy. She's only imprisoned at night? WTF. That's a slap in the face to the family of the motorcyclist.

[hotrodalex]

I'm just saying it's tougher than what i've seen before. I do agree that jail at night is a joke.

[TBR]

Seems pretty soft to me.

[bing_oh]

I'm just saying it's tougher than what i've seen before. I do agree that jail at night is a joke.

Then shouldn't your issue be with the other undeservedly lenient sentences, not this sentence that's too lenient for the crime?

[Submariner]

18 months is horseshit.  She acted with total negligence and deserves a stiff manslaughter sentence. 

[rohan]

?I was not still painting my nails,?? Hunt said during her trial. ?I was looking at the yellow light.??

Which means she ran the yellow light- I can't speak for other places but that's a ticketable offense in Michigan "Disregard Steady Yellow" a moving violation.  Combine that with her actions while driving and she would have been charged with Vehicular/Negligent Manslaugter here and probably sentenced to 2.5 years in state prison and eligable for parole at 6 months.  Plus she would have lost her license for up to 5 years.  

18 months is horseshit.  She acted with total negligence and deserves a stiff manslaughter sentence. 

"18 months of periodic imprisonment"   
Most likely she'll have to do a few weeks straight at the beginning but then it'll be weekends and holidays by the sounds of that so maybe half that time in actuality.

[BimmerM3]

I agree that's it's her fault. I'm just saying that I've seen worse crimes go (comparatively) unpunished. If this is the punishment for killing someone while driving a car, then the punishments for other crimes should be equally tough.

How many crimes are worse than homicide?

[BimmerM3]

"18 months of periodic imprisonment"   
Most likely she'll have to do a few weeks straight at the beginning but then it'll be weekends and holidays by the sounds of that so maybe half that time in actuality.

"a sentence that will keep her jailed at night, but allow her to be free during the day to work or receive medical care or mental health counseling."

Sounds to me like she'll only be able to leave to go to work and doctors appointments. That could just be poor wording by the journalist though.

[MX793]

So the guy with the supposed runaway Camry that killed 3 people got 8 years (32 months per person) of full time imprisonment, and this woman who was applying nail polish while driving (IMO every bit as reckless as driving at high speed) gets 18 months of part-time imprisonment for killing another motorist?  What kind of a crock is that?