When is distracted driving a crime?

Re Driver found not guilty in death of young woman, Nov. 22 I am very angry and upset to read that the driver who killed Kristy Hodgson and one of her two dogs has been acquitted of dangerous driving causing death. The video clearly shows that Gideon Fekre didn’t just drive up onto the sidewalk, he drove on the sidewalk for 20 metres before he hit and killed Kristy and her dog. How is this a momentary lapse of attention?

Drivers have a responsibility to take driving seriously and concentrate on the road. As a pedestrian and cyclist, I am even more afraid for my safety and for the safety for my family and friends after this verdict. Pedestrians are not even safe on the sidewalk.

I hope the Crown appeals this case, as I am very angry that this driver will not lose his licence and will be able to continue driving. Donna Patterson, Toronto

I am absolutely aghast at the verdict exonerating driver Gideon Fekre in the death of pedestrian Kristy Hodgson. It matters not that he is remorseful and apologetic. The judge’s decision goes against everything the province is trying to accomplish with our new supposedly tougher laws against distracted and careless driving. Fekre was both distracted and careless, and the not-guilty verdict is a travesty of the justice system. Maggie Laidlaw, Guelph

Re Exactly when does bad driving become a

criminal action? Keenan, Nov. 21 If Gideon Fekre had dropped his water bottle a few seconds earlier, where the road does not curve, maybe no one would have been hurt and perhaps he would have never left the road. But bad things can happen really fast when you’re distracted from the road ahead. Putting Fekre in prison might satisfy a desire for revenge, but it’s difficult to justify that drastic sanction when his actions were without intent nor, apparently, flagrantly reckless. Ken Straiton, Toronto