In Washington State’s first vehicle homicide case involving a driver distracted by texting, 18-year-old Antonio Cellestine was sentenced to 60-months in jail for killing his former Hudson’s Bay High School teacher, Gordon Patterson.
KATU: Man was texting when he hit and killed teacher.
Cellestine was texting his girlfriend when he swerved off the road and hit 50-year old Mr. Patterson, who was lawfully pedaling home from school in the bike lane, wearing a helmet. Cellestine fled the scene and was later arrested at a party.
Cellestine’s statement to officers that he was also distracted by brushing cigar ashes from his shirt is unverified by any evidence from the vehicle.
Cellestine’s record includes two instances of driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance and a July 23 incident for possession of marijuana.
With his difficult past, Cellestine credits Mr. Patterson for focusing on academics and graduating from high school.
Mr. Patterson is survived by his stay-at-home wife Carrie Patterson and three children, Julia, Caleb and Jonathan.
The government has responded to the increasing concern with drivers distracted by cell phones, leading to the creation of distraction.gov
The Oprah Show raises awareness of the victims of distracted driving.
Currently Washington State lawmakers are working to pass a bill that will change existing law from using a cell phone as a second offense, to a first offense.
Sources: The Seattle Times
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[...] and public officials recognize the serious (and sometimes fatal) risks caused by drivers distracted by cell phones, and therefore want a stronger law that will [...]