[CMI-CM] Bicyclist Killed By Teen Downloading Ringtones

[Jym Dyer]

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/11/30/woman_is_sentenced_for_bicyclists_death

Woman is sentenced for bicyclist's death
	By Mary Schenk
The News-Gazette | Thursday, 30-Nov-2006 11:38 AM CST

URBANA -- Jennifer Stark wiped away tears and nodded that she
understood the maximum sentence a Champaign County judge gave
her Wednesday for improper lane usage.

The 25-year-old former Champaign resident, a University of
Illinois mechanical engineering graduate working for Caterpillar
in Peoria, died on Sept. 8 from head injuries he received
Sept. 2 when 19-year-old Jennifer Stark hit him with her car
because she was downloading ring tones to her cell phone instead
of paying attention to driving.

Mr. Wilhelm was bicycling north on Illinois 130 east of Urbana when he
was struck from behind about 7:15 p.m. Stark was so far off the road
that she hit Mr. Wilhelm from behind with the driver's side of her car.

[...]

=v= The tear-inducing "maximum sentence" for killing a cyclist
is a $1000 fine and traffic school.  You can read all about how
persecuted the driver/killer feels on her MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/jenniebob18

=v= The late cyclist's parents want a better law.
    <_Jym_>

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/11/30/wilhelms_push_legislators_for_distracted_driving_measure

Wilhelms push legislators for distracted driving measure
	By Mary Schenk
The News-Gazette | Thursday, 30-Nov-2006 11:35 AM CST

URBANA -- Gloria and Chuck Wilhelm spent the better part of
their day Tuesday in Springfield talking to representatives and
senators and their staffs.

They want "Matt's Law" passed -- legislation that specifically
addresses the careless and negligent use of interactive
technology including, but not limited to, cell phones, e-mail
and iPods.

[...]