Trucker with speeding violation history won’t go to jail for two deaths
July 21, 2010 by Starrla Cray
Filed under General, Lester Prairie, Mayer, New Germany, Watertown, Winsted
CARVER, McLEOD COUNTIES, MN – A semitrailer truck driver with 14 speeding violations was given probation after pleading guilty in a multi-vehicle crash that killed two people last summer in Carver County, the Star Tribune reported.
Gordon S. Curtiss, 53, of Hutchinson, was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of failure to drive with due care, a misdemeanor.
The crash killed Sandra Babatz, 45, of Norwood Young America, and Juan Olvera, 35, of Sullivan, Texas. It happened Aug. 29, 2009, in Benton Township at the intersection of Hwy. 212 and County Road 51.
Along with 12 months’ probation, District Judge Kevin Eide’s sentence calls for Curtiss to perform 80 hours of community service and pay restitution to the victims for unpaid funeral expenses and a $385 fine. He must also complete a driver-improvement course and write letters of apology to the victims.
To read the full article, go to http://www.startribune.com/local/west/98823729.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcOy_nc:DKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Such a sad story!
I agree with the Dakota Co. Attorney- “There needs to be a difference between driving negligently and hitting a tree or sign and killing someone.”
I don’t doubt the gentleman is remorseful and an accident is an accident after all but there are speed limits for a reason and drivers have more to worry about then just their vehicle- decisions of a driver impact others, those driving around you deserve to do so safely.
It also makes me angry to see people texting while driving- and yes I know this has nothing to do with this case- but the ability to react and pay attention to your driving does and it just seems that a driver needs to be held accountable for what they do!
I pray all the families involved find peace in what has happened and that Mr. Curtiss has finally learned from his mistakes and can abide by the speed limit laws.