In US Woman Banned From Owning a Cell Phone After Fatal Crash
A Michigan judge banned a woman from owning a cell phone Wednesday as part of her probation after she killed a cyclist while driving distracted last fall.
Mitzi Nelson pleaded no-contest in the death of Jill Byelich. Nelson struck Byelich, who was wearing a helmet and reflective clothing, as she rode her bike last fall. Police say Nelson was distracted by her cell phone at the time.
"I don't think she has a right to have a cell phone," Judge Stewart McDonald said at Nelson's sentencing, The Detroit Free Press reported. "I think it's a privilege."
Nelson will not be allowed to own a cell phone during her two-year probation. She must also serve at least 90 days of her six-month jail sentence, speak to 20 driver's education classes about the dangers of distracted driving and perform 150 hours of community service. She must also pay thousands in restitution and fees.
