Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A woman who was painting her fingernails while driving and smashed into motorcyclist Anita Zaffke, killing her, has been convicted of felony reckless homicide, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Lora Hunt, 49, reportedly showed no emotion when the jury read the verdict after deliberating a little more than three hours on May 6. The trial lasted two days.

Hunt, a nurse, faces up to five years in prison when she is sentenced next month.

Zaffke, 56, was killed when Hunt, who police said admitted she was painting her fingernails at the time of the crash, smashed into the back of Zaffke’s motorcycle at a stoplight in Lake Zurich, Ill., about 40 miles north of Chicago, on May 2, 2009.

At the trial, Hunt testified she had stopped painting her nails before the fatal crash. Her defense lawyer argued Hunt’s actions were negligent, like eating a sandwich or talking on a cellphone in a car, and not reckless, according to the Chicago Tribune.

But Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Mermel, who prosecuted the case, argued that Hunt acted recklessly, the newspaper said.

“It is not the same as biting a sandwich. …It’s a voluntary disablement,” the newspaper quoted Mermel as saying. “She might as well have been in the back seat making a sandwich.”

Greg Zaffke II of Wauconda, Ill., the victim’s son, told WGN News following the verdict: “There are no winners today. There is no celebration or happiness. Two families will forever carry the hurt and anguish caused by one person’s reckless actions behind the wheel.”

After the fatal crash, Zaffke began painting his fingernails black as a reminder to anyone he meets of his mother’s death. And he formed the Black Nail Brigade Foundation Against Distracted Driving (www.BlackNailBrigade.org) to publicize the dangers of distracted driving, push for legislation to impose appropriate penalties for distracted drivers who seriously injure or kill others, and to boost awareness to share the road with motorcycles.

He told WGN News that the Black Nail Brigade efforts transcend his mom’s death.

“I love my mom, but I understand that. There are other loved ones dying,” he said.

“On behalf of the AMA and its members, I want to express our sincere condolences to Ms. Zaffke’s family,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. “This episode puts into stark relief the tragedy that can result from distracted driving, and we hope that our efforts and those of Greg Zaffke will help avoid further tragedies.”

In 2009, the AMA adopted a formal position statement that endorsed enhanced penalties for those who injure or kill others while operating a motor vehicle when distracted or inattentive operation is involved, with the goal of preventing motorcycle crashes from occurring in the first place. To read the AMA’s position statement on distracted and inattentive driving, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/positions/distracted.asp.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

Daytona Beach, Fla…Crozier Roberson Motorsports are pleased to announce they have inked a contract with road racing ace Michael Beck to ride the No. 60 DNA Energy Drink Ducati 848 in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class beginning at the West Coast Moto Jam, May 14-16 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

“We held a test at Jennings Motorsports Park last week,” explains team manager and co-owner Mark Crozier. Michael did an excellent job and we are extremely happy to welcome him to the team. He will replace Jake Holden who was originally going to ride for us.  Michael has a tremendous amount of talent, is a very consistent top ten finisher and very professional. Both Robbie (Roberson) and I feel he will be an outstanding asset to the team.”

Born and raised in California, Beck has been riding most of his life out in the desert with his dad. In 2003 he decided to try his hand at road racing. Beginning with CMRRA in Willow Springs, Calif., Beck started to fine tune his two-wheeled skills on the pavement.   Moving into AMA Racing in 2006, it wasn’t long before he began to carve a name for himself. An extremely consistent rider, Beck took a 9th overall in both the 2006 and 2008 AMA Supersport and a 13th in 2009. He also has two WERA championships to his name and last season earned the distinction of breaking the Willow Springs Track Record.

“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am,” says Beck with a big smile. “It is all pretty amazing and very much a whirlwind.  Crozier Roberson Motorsports is a great team. They are all pretty much jumping through hoops to get everything done in time for Infineon. When they asked me to come and test at Jennings, I never dreamed, I would leave with a contract. The DNA Energy Drink Ducati is an awesome machine and I have always wanted to ride one. It’s a silent missile and I can’t wait to start racing on it.”

“I am glad that Michael is coming on board as my teammate,” says Bobby Fong who pilots the No. 30 DNA Energy Drink Ducati for Crozier Roberson Motorsports. “I think he will bring a lot to the team and he is a good fit.”

“The test at Jennings was really good,” says co-owner Robbie Roberson. “Michael is very mature, knows bike setup, is a very skilled rider and understands the business of racing.  I feel the combination of Bobby and him will definitely help us realize our goals and will put DNA Energy Drink in victory lane without any problem.” 

Crozier Roberson Motorsports is sponsored by: DNA Energy Drink, Quality Brands, Inc., Arai Helmets, Race Tech, Motion Pro, Pit Bull, EBC Brakes, EK, Melillimoto Ducati, Moto-Heaven.com, XES, Thrust Company, HEL, Woodcraft, Armour Bodies, Puma, Held Gloves, GP Tech, Active, Zero Gravity and Christopher Bean Coffee.