A Sad Reminder to Keep the Polish Where It Belongs

May 6, 2009

This is a truly sad story: last weekend, 56-year-old Anita Zaffke was riding her motorcycle when another driver, Lora Hunt, struck and killed her. The reason: Hunt was allegedly painting her nails while behind the wheel. She told police that she was giving herself a manicure while driving and simply didn't see Zaffke until after she hit her. Hunt was given a ticket for "failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident," but Zaffke's family and friends would like to see more serious charges brought forth. This is just another heartbreaking reminder — though it should go without saying — to focus on the wheel, not on your primping, when you're driving.

Beauty Byte

36 Comments

3 years 49 weeks

Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder'n bout this issue,so thanks for posting

4 years 1 week

What the heck? Painting your nails behind the wheel and killing someone? She ought to go to jail. Some women put others to shame, doing stupid things like this. I'm in complete disbelief. I feel like slapping that woman.

bellazmom 4 years 2 weeks

What a horrible story. My thoughts go out to Ms. Zaffke's family and friends.

Symphonee 4 years 2 weeks

That is completely insane. If she doesn't lose her license and do some jail time, the victim's family should sue in civil court. Ridiculous.

hippiecowgirl 4 years 2 weeks

Wow. I absolutely think the charges should be steeper.

Bksuga 4 years 2 weeks

wow thats getting off real easy, serously she though she could drive and do that at the same time smfh

RockAndRepublic 4 years 2 weeks

I'm hoping that she gets charged. What a careless b!tch!

ModernGraceKelly 4 years 2 weeks

I meant wasn't mascara..

ModernGraceKelly 4 years 2 weeks

I meant wasn't mascara..

ModernGraceKelly 4 years 2 weeks

What an idiot... She needs jailtime and her license revoked. I see a civil suit in her future. Who does that??????? Paint your nails while driving....too bad it was mascara, she could have at least poked her eye out!

untitled 4 years 2 weeks

They are idiots not to charge her with vehicular manslaughter. vehicular manslaughter n. the crime of causing the death of a human being due to illegal driving of an automobile, including gross negligence, drunk driving, reckless driving, or speeding. Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor (minor crime with a maximum punishment of a year in county jail or only a fine) or a felony (punishable by a term in state prison) depending on the circumstances. Gross negligence or driving a few miles over the speed limit might be charged as a misdemeanor, but drunk driving resulting in a fatality is most likely treated as a felony. Death of a passenger, including a loved one or friend, can be vehicular manslaughter if due to illegal driving.

untitled 4 years 2 weeks

They are idiots not to charge her with vehicular manslaughter.vehicular manslaughter n. the crime of causing the death of a human being due to illegal driving of an automobile, including gross negligence, drunk driving, reckless driving, or speeding. Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor (minor crime with a maximum punishment of a year in county jail or only a fine) or a felony (punishable by a term in state prison) depending on the circumstances. Gross negligence or driving a few miles over the speed limit might be charged as a misdemeanor, but drunk driving resulting in a fatality is most likely treated as a felony. Death of a passenger, including a loved one or friend, can be vehicular manslaughter if due to illegal driving.

risqueredhead 4 years 2 weeks

this is ridiculous, she deserves way more than that... vehicular manslaughter anyone? jail time would be appropriate, I agree polkadots.

polkadots567 4 years 2 weeks

thats terrible! she needs jail time or something since the motercycler got KILLED... that needs something more serious than a freaking traffic ticket

Glamamom 4 years 2 weeks

Unbelievable. How awful that someone's life was taken because some idiot wanted to paint their nails while their car was MOVING!!! A ticket? That's pathetic.

MartiniLush 4 years 2 weeks

Seriously? Who paints their nails while driving? I have to second gothamgal's comment - she should really have gotten more than a traffic ticket!

MartiniLush 4 years 2 weeks

Seriously? Who paints their nails while driving? I have to second gothamgal's comment - she should really have gotten more than a traffic ticket!

RachLA 4 years 2 weeks

I HATE when I see women doing their makeup behind the wheel! My family friend was a track star but his career was ruined when a woman hit him with her car, distracted by putting on lipstick. Seriously, don't do it, ladies.

Katharine 4 years 2 weeks

That is crazy. How is she only getting a parking ticket. I often paint my nails in the car but it is before I start to drive. To me it is the oerfect place to do it. I always have my hands on the wheel so there is little chance to mess them up and they are dry by the time I get to work. I would NEVER do it in a moving car though. That is insane.

gothamgal 4 years 2 weeks

I cannot believe this. That woman should voluntarily suspend herself from driving, offer some (albeit insufficient) restitution to the victim's family, and do time in jail. Seriously. Not to mention community service and probation. My heart goes out to Anita Zaffke's loved ones.

JaimeLeah526 4 years 2 weeks

I agree with the family that this person should definitely get more of a punishment. Manslaughter, negligent homicide, something more drastic than a slap on the wrist.