"My Stehlar Journey"
As A Multiple Near-Fatal Car Crash Survivor, I dedicated the years 2007-2008 to being a full-time volunteer promoting "traffic safety" education in official partnerships with the NYS State Police, DeLacy Ford and Public Schools throughout New York State. We completed over 213 speaking engagements. My husband & I are dedicating 2009 to starting from scratch..regaining the things the car crashes stole from us.
30 years ago today, my mother gave birth to me & for that I am forever grateful!! She decided to give me the greatest gift ever - Life.
Today was my 30th Birthday. I honestly can not believe that I turned 30. It didn't bother me & I surely didn't feel any different. I woke the same, showered the same, got dressed the same and went to work as if I were 21! 25 was the hardest age for me yet. I cried for an entire week prior and the proceeding week as well. I felt "old" - I was full of anxiety -what was to come next? What goals did I NOT achieve - was I on the right path? Did I do what I was supposed to in my 20's?
Now, I cross this BIG DAY and I felt good. I felt GREAT! I am in the place I am meant to be, I am doing what I am supposed to and each day is truly a gift. It's a gift to be alive, it's a gift to go to work and it is most definitely a fabulous blessing to have my husband and parents.
Lake County prosecutors have thrown out a traffic violation against Lora Hunt, the woman who struck and killed motorcyclist Anita Zaffke (pictured right) with her car while allegedly painting her nails. But that doesn't mean Ms. Hunt is free. Instead, prosecutors are examining more serious criminal charges against her. Michael Waller, Lake County state’s attorney, said, “We’re investigating to determine whether more serious charges can be filed." The reason she's not facing the traffic violation is a simple one: prosecutors worried that if she had pleaded guilty to the violation, they might not have been able to pursue more serious charges due to the double jeopardy statute of facing charges for the same crime twice. Just as they had last month, though, prosecutors are having problems with the vagueness of state law as pertaining to "distracted drivers." Waller said that new charges should be filed against Hunt in the next two to three weeks. [Sun-Times] By Marcus Gilmer in News on June 9, 2009 9:20 AM
I have to work the day of (Sunday the 7th) Therefore, we decided to celebrate on my days off - both Thursday night and all day Friday. Thursday night was so wonderful. We started the night with a yummy margarita - then went down to the Las Vegas Strip and watched the romantic Bellagio Water Show. Then we went to a late night dinner at Terrible's Hotel and Casino. *(We choose that for ol' times sake)* Years ago when we lived here, we used to go down to the strip and party...ending the night with 1 am Steak n' eggs at Terribles. Friday was so much fun!! We started with a delicious dinner at Outback, then off to the Las Vegas Strip for the Improv @ Harrah's. It was hilarious! We took a pic in front of the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign and did some shopping of course.
REST IN PEACE - Anita Zaffke Bless your family in this tragic loss.......
This is an absolute WASTE of life!!!!! We are LONG OVERDUE for a "negligent vehicular homicide" law! This story makes me extremely ill. It also makes me ill that State Rep.William Black'sproposed "negligent vehicular homicide" law was slated by the slime ball state bar association! If you have a license, realize that what you are driving is a 3000lb weapon. It's a privilege to drive NOT a right & if you can not comprehend this then you should not be awarded a drivers license! I am sickened that our law makers are allowing human beings to be so disposable. This was someone's mother.He was an only child and now half of his family is dead ONLY because a 25 yr. old female literally felt it was life or death to have her nails painted. As a driver you know better, especially at age 25, that driving requires your undivided attention. There is absolutely NO excuse and this woman needs to face the consequences of killing another human being! This is nothing less than a tragedy! ~~ If not, then I feel as though government is sending the message that if you want someone killed, just get behind the wheel of a vehicle and say ... you were reading...you were shaving....maybe applying make-up...... It's quite clear you'll get off!
Applying makeup while driving ranks up there in the danger zone with reading a book or dialing a cell phone, according to a federal report that takes aim at behavior officials allege may have played a role in a fatal collision in Lake Zurich.
Prosecutors are measuring the yawning gap between a traffic citation and felony reckless homicide as they decide whether criminal charges should be filed against a driver allegedly painting her nails when her car struck and killed a motorcyclist last weekend.
The wreck Saturday raises questions that have been fiercely debated in Illinois about whether a momentary distraction amounts to criminal behavior, comparable to drunken driving.
In the crash that killed motorcyclist Anita Zaffke, 56, of Lake Zurich, Lora L. Hunt, 48, of Morris was ticketed by the Lake County sheriff's police with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Prosecutors say it may be a month before they decide whether to bring additional charges.
"We are looking into charges in the case," Assistant State's Atty. Patricia Fix said. "But we are waiting for results of blood and urine tests and waiting for the results of an accident reconstruction, as well as any other technical evidence we can derive from the scene."
State Rep. William Black (R-Danville) pointed to the wreck as another example of the need for his proposed "negligent vehicular homicide" law, which would carry a penalty of up to 3 years in prison. Black introduced the bill this year after a bicyclist in his district was killed by a motorist downloading ringtones to a cell phone.
"Our cars are entertainment centers and mobile offices," said Black. " 'I've got to do my nails,' or 'I've got to get this done before I get into the office.' It seems to be getting worse and worse."
"Driving to Springfield today, I saw three cars that had a book propped up on the steering wheel," he said. "One guy was fumbling with a map. I've seen women doing their makeup and men shaving with a battery-powered shaver."
The 2006 federal safety report estimated that a driver applying makeup is three times more likely to get in an accident than someone paying attention to the road -- about the same likelihood of a crash as someone dialing a cell phone.
The sobering statistics helped spur a Distracted Drivers Task Force organized by state lawmakers, which recommended the negligent vehicular homicide law that Black sponsored.
Under current laws, prosecutors often must choose between filing a traffic citation and trying to prove reckless homicide -- that a distracted driver's recklessness was so extreme he or she acted with complete disregard for the safety of others, officials said.
Under the proposed law, distracted drivers who cause deaths would face a prison sentence as well as a $25,000 fine and revocation of their driver's license for at least one year upon conviction.
Despite backing from Secretary of State Jesse White, opposition from the state bar association and some state's attorneys stalled the bill. Black said supporters will try again.
"There should not be a criminal penalty affixed to a simple 'negligent' mental state," said Steve Baker of the Illinois Bar Association's criminal justice committee.
About 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Zaffke of the 1500 block of Eddy Lane in Lake Zurich stopped at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Old McHenry Road as the light turned from green to yellow, authorities said.
Hunt, driving a Chevrolet Impala behind Zaffke, told police "she was painting her nails as she drove and did not see [the motorcycle] until contact was already made," according to a sheriff's department incident report.
Hunt could not be reached for comment Monday, and nobody came to the door at her ranch-style home.
Defense attorney Ragan Freitag of Naperville said Hunt, a registered nurse, was alone and had not been drinking.
--Dan P. Blake, Andrew L. Wang, and Megan Twohey contributed.
Life. It can be taken from us at any given moment. Every human being needs to thoroughly comprehend that. We live in a high speed society that is constantly on the run, never living in the moment and only living for the future. Danny Gans passed away last night. He was married to his beautiful wife for 28 years and they were blessed with 3 children. Gans was named "Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year" for the 11th straight year in a row and performed for the Company I work for. My husband and I were lucky enough to see his performance on March 28th, 2009. One thing about that performance that I will never forget - he truly loved God and his family. He truly did. This was NOT just a skit or part of his show. He loved God & his family with his entire being He wrote and performed a song entitled "The Journey's here at Home." When he sang that song I cried. The words to that song truly reflect his love for life, family, God and his appreciation for every moment of every day. He will be sadly missed. Today, he is our reminder to live in the moment.
THIS TRULY PUT A FIRE UNDER ME TO GET MY MESSAGE HEARD IN THE STATE OF NEVADA! I was truly sickened by this. Even more so disgusted by what Assembly Transportation Chairman Kelvin Atkinson's response was. These Assemblymen should be ashamed of themselves. The day that one of their daughters is whipped into a windshield and practically dies BUT the seat belt saves her life by holding her body in the car will be the day the light bulb turns on for them. OR maybe we have to put it into #'s - as in how much these crash injuries are costing them....I don't know, I need a moment to truly place my thoughts. I will post my personal feelings once I can think clearly and put my racing thoughts into words.
Bill making not wearing a seat belt a primary offense dies
April 23, 2009 06:20 PM
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- A Nevada bill that would have allowed police to stop any driver they believe isn't wearing a seat belt has died in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
Seat belts are required in Nevada, but existing law prohibits police from stopping a driver for no reason other than a suspicion that the driver isn't belted.
Critics of the bill say that it interferes with personal liberty and may encourage racial profiling. They also say that existing law is enough.
In Assemblywoman Ellen Spiegel's words, "Somehow or other, we're not communicating to our kids that a law is a law. And it troubles me that we need to have a law that says, 'No, we really mean it's a law."'
CARSON CITY (AP) — Nevada lawmakers and witnesses gave emotional testimony Tuesday on a bill that would allow police to stop any driver they believe isn’t wearing a seat belt.
The Assembly Transportation Committee reviewed SB116, a new version of a proposal that has been killed in several previous sessions despite strong support from police agencies.
Seat belts are required in Nevada, but existing law prohibits police from stopping a driver for no reason other than a suspicion that the driver isn’t belted.
Proponents of SB116, already approved by the state Senate, say it would save lives and reduce injuries. Opponents said seat belts don’t necessarily save lives or may even harm or kill people in crashes, adding that current laws are enough.
Other critics of the bill contend that it interferes with personal liberty and may encourage racial profiling.
Sen. Michael Schneider, D-Las Vegas, told lawmakers to “not get emotional about why the bill was brought forward,” and called it “a matter of fiscal responsibility.”
“You will hear other people testify it is their right to stay unbuckled. It is their right to put their life at risk,” Schneider said. “I say if you want to attempt suicide just get it done, but don’t come to the taxpayers here and say, ’Hey, pick up my expenses for my irresponsibility.”’
Assemblyman Joe Hogan, D-Las Vegas, also backed the bill, saying seat belts may be an inconvenience but they save lives and “I just think we ought to get on with it and join the rest of the states who have seen the light and enact a primary seat belt law.”
“I’m absolutely convinced that we would have in Nevada a substantial decline in fatalities and serious accidents if we had a mandatory primary seatbelt law,” Hogan said. “I don’t see any downsides whatsoever.”
Assemblyman Jerry Claborn, D-Las Vegas, his voice rising, argued that the bill infringes on personal constitutional rights.
“I will not take this. I will not do it,” Claborn said. “I will not take my constitutional rights from you, you aren’t going to take them from me.”
Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, questioned statistics presented by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety that said the bill would help close the small gap between people who currently use seatbelts and those who don’t.
“The people that I know that aren’t buckling up will not buckle up. I don’t care what you do unless you put a police guy in every car,” Carpenter said.
Assembly Transportation Chairman Kelvin Atkinson, D-North Las Vegas, also questioned the statistics. He said that if he can be convinced SB116 would encourage unbelted drivers to buckle up “I’ll vote for it — but until I am, I probably won’t be supporting this bill.”
Atkinson also said it’s difficult to determine accident survivability regardless of seatbelt use, adding, “I don’t think anyone in this room can really, really say in some accidents if someone would have lived or survived.”
David Washington, a former Las Vegas fire chief, said that as “a black American” he’s aware of statistics on racial profiling by authorities, but added SB116 would save lives.
“My point is that those statistics have their place, but certainly the lives of people are still important,” Washington said.
Lynn Chapman and David Schumann of the conservative Nevada Families Eagle Forum opposed the measure on constitutional grounds.
“You can’t help the stupidity of some people,” Chapman said. “I mean what can you do? I don’t think trying to force people to do this is the answer.”
“I really don’t need you folks to look after me,” Schumann added
Not one day in anyone’s life…is an uneventful day, no day without profound meaning, no matter how dull and boring it might seem, no matter whether you are a seamstress or a queen, a shoeshine boy or a movie star, a renowned philosopher or a Down’s-syndrome child. Because in every day of your life, there are opportunities to perform little kindnesses for others, both by conscious acts of will and unconscious example. Each smallest act of kindness–even just words of hope when they are needed, the remembrance of a birthday, a compliment that engenders a smile–reverberates across great distances and spans of time, affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit was the source of this good echo, because kindness is passed on and grows each time it’s passed, until a simple courtesy becomes an act of selfless courage years later and far away. Likewise, each small meanness, each thoughtless expression of hatred, each envious and bitter act, regardless of how petty, can inspire others, and is therefore the seed that ultimately produces evil fruit, poisoning people whom you have never met and never will. All human lives are so profoundly and intricately entwined–those dead, those living, those generations yet to come–that the fate of all is the fate of each, and the hope of humanity rests in every heart and in every pair of hands. Therefore, after every failure, we are obliged to strive again for success, and when faced with the end of one thing, we must build something new and better in the ashes, just as from pain and grief, we must weave hope, for each of us is a thread critical to the strength–to the very survival–of the human tapestry. Every hour in every life contains such often-unrecognized potential to affect the world that the great days for which we, in our dissatisfaction, so often yearn are already with us; all great days and thrilling possibilities are combined always in this momentous day.
I was sitting in the waiting room of the dentist when my husband called me with this news story. As he explained the details I became sick to my stomach and my eyes welled up with tears. I do not know any of the individuals affected by this tragic turn of events BUT what I do know is the personal pain the victims families are all feeling. In an instant your life can be so easily ripped from you. This up and coming 22 year old and his friends did NOT have to die. This was not an "accident" and it was completely preventable. I find it absolutely frustrating that our society can not comprehend the severity of our actions behind the wheel of a vehicle. Our vehicles are 3.000 lb. weapons and what we do with them has the potential to kill.That is exactly what happened. Someone ran a read light and killed 3 innocent people. We all know that running a red light can cause harm to others. That is why I look at that person as a murderer. While the 3 innocent victims are laid to rest on god's green earth........with no future of living out the American Dream - this killer with get a slap on the wrist and probably become a repeat offender. (According to the Los Angeles Times, the driver has a prior DUI conviction)
Terrible news out of California this morning, where we've just learned that the Angels rookie Nick Adenhart was killed in an early morning hit-and-run accident in Fullerton on Thursday.
The news was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by Yahoo! Sports baseball columnist Tim Brown.
Just 22 years old, Adenhart started for Los Angeles on Wednesday night and struck out five batters over six scoreless innings in a 6-4 loss to Oakland. It was only the fourth start of his young career and first since earning the third spot in the Angels' rotation over spring training.
According to reports, Adenhart was driving home with three others in his silver Mitsubishi when a mini-van ran through a red light and hit Adenhart's car, causing it to crash into a light pole. A female driver and male passenger died on the scene while Adenhart was taken to the hospital where he died undergoing surgery, according to a spokesman from the UC-Irvine Medical Center. The driver of the mini-van fled the scene, but was later apprehended by police. No other members of the Angels' organization were involved.
This is the most tragic news you can imagine in the baseball world and our thoughts go out to Adenhart's family and the entire Angels' organization, which was already reeling from the death of a fan who was involved in a fight on Opening Day.
10/2004: I survive a car crash & sustain a brain injury, neck & jaw injuries which placed me in extensive rehab. 09/2005: My father & I survive a near fatal car crash...My father pulls me out of the car as I am unconscious...THAT DAY CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER. Agonizing rehab started all over..My brain sustained more damage & b/c of it, therapists said I‘d never be the same. The TMJd became permanent & debilitating. So much was spent on rehab and I could not work causing my husband & I to lose everything we worked for. BUT upon reflection, I realized I did gain something greater...a mission and purpose. God had spared my life and blessed me with a grand appreciation for LIFE and he ignited my un-ending passion for this topic to save others from such a senseless death. TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS will always be a vital part of my life . I travel speaking of my experience and share educational awareness hoping to save others from this pain!
Both of my crashes were caused by the other drivers - they were both ticketed.
