TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. – A driver was fined $433.50 after crashing into another car while using his cellphone, killing another driver.
Nicholas Salem was found guilty of operating a vehicle while using a cellphone after killing 69-year-old Paul Foster, a driving instructor.
Foster’s widow, Linda, is seeking justice as she believes a larger punishment should have been given.
"I would have thought anytime you killed someone in a vehicle there should be something there. At least a point, two points, I don't care,” she said.
Paul was giving a driving lesson during the time of the accident.
His car was preparing to make a turn on US 52 when Salem’s truck slammed into the car.
"You don't know what you miss until they're gone,” she said.
Linda said her husband suffered from broken ribs and a torn aorta.
“When we went up there then, I mean he just looked really peaceful. And I knew where he was, you know. From the accident, he didn't have cuts…It was all internal,” said Linda.
Linda hopes that by sharing her husband’s story, distracted driving laws will be strengthened in Indiana and more drivers will consider putting their phones down and focus more on the road.
Indiana's primary law bans cellphone use, both handheld and hands-free for drivers under the age of 18. The law also bans texting and driving for all ages.
