Sentence too lenient for distracted driver

The lenient sentence handed down by Judge Fred Forman in the Lora Hunt reckless homicide case reinforces the idea that it's OK to kill motorcyclists, especially if you can show the judge you feel really bad about it.

Hunt was painting her fingernails while driving when she slammed into motorcyclist Anita Zaffke, who was stopped at a traffic light, killing her. Eighteen months of spending nights in jail while free to go about your workday business is not my idea of jail time for killing a motorcyclist.

Ironically, that light sentence was announced on the same day that the area newspapers reported two more motorcyclists were killed. Wildwood resident Rezger Mohammad, 24, was killed when a 25-year-old woman turned left in front of his motorcycle. A 4-year-old, who was not seat-belted in her car, was also seriously injured. The woman claims she didn't see the motorcyclist.

Motorcyclist Marcus A. Cicero, 25, of Island Lake was killed when Eugene D. Touchstone, 61, who police say was driving drunk, turned left in front of the motorcycle. We all know that drunken driving seldom puts anyone in jail, and we often read about drivers with multiple DUI's on their records.

But the drivers who kill, show remorse and shed tears in front of a judge are let off with some fines, community service and slap-on-the-wrist sentences, and they go about their lives. The victims, however, don't go on with their lives. And their families' lives are forever ruined.

If I sound angry, it's because I've had too many near-death experiences while riding my motorcycle at the hands of inattentive, knuckle-headed drivers. And if one of them should kill me, it shouldn't be viewed by the justice system as OK. "Oops, my bad" shouldn't let you get away with murder.

Ken Glassman

Arlington Heights