Teen Gets Jail Time in Fatal Texting Crash

Massachusetts youth will spend a year in prison
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 6, 2012 7:10 PM CDT
Teen Gets Jail Time in Fatal Texting Crash
Luz Ronan looks toward Aaron Deveau while reading a statement in Haverhill District Court. She was the victim's girlfriend and was injured in the crash.   (AP Photo/Eagle Tribune, Tim Jean, Pool)

A Massachusetts teenager is going to prison for a year because he was texting while driving and caused a fatal accident, the Boston Globe reports. Aaron Deveau, now 18, crossed the center line and smashed into a vehicle driven by a 55-year-old who died from his injuries. The judge sentenced Deveau under a new texting law—he actually gave him a break because of his youth and clean record—and said he wanted to send a message about deterrence.

It “really seems to come to play in this case,’’ he said. “People really want to be safe on the highways," and drivers need to “keep their eyes on the road, keep their eyes on the road.’’ Prosecutors showed that the teenager sent nearly 200 texts that day, including some just before the accident, notes AP. Deveau apologized to the victim's family in court. (More driving while texting stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X