Texter gets probation in wreck that killed his 3-year-old girl | Toledo, Ohio Child Accident Lawyer

A judge did not take away a man's phone who was texting when he crashed his car, killing one of his daughters; the phone now serves as a reminder of the crime.

"I was going to order that you have no use of a cell phone for a year. I'm not going to do that. Every time you pick up that cell phone let that be a reminder," Judge Richard Warren told Jonathon Harp.

Judge Warren sentenced the Jonathon Harp to two years' probation Tuesday on the charge of attempted vehicular homicide, a fifth-degree felony that carried a maximum one-year prison sentence. The judge also suspended his license for two years but granted driving privileges to and from work.

The judge asked Harp what the lesson was from this case."The biggest lesson to be learned is never take any life for granted," he said as he choked back tears. Warren responded, "No, the lesson is turn off your cell phone when you're driving."

Harp was driving his car west on state Route 309 on Dec. 20, 2009, when he ran into the back of a truck that was stopped to turn onto Phillips Road. Harp's car bounced into the other lane and was struck by an eastbound car. Harp's 3-year-old daughter, Macy Harp, was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Harp declined further comment but Warren read his statements into the record that were taken during a pre-sentencing interview.

The problem continues to grow as texting gains popularity and nearly everyone has cell phones. AAA Ohio supports a statewide ban on texting while driving. Hopefully many will learn from this case and really see the dangers of texting and driving. Not only could you harm your life, but the lives of others.

If you or someone you know has a child who has been injured by one of child accidents listed above you need information. Contact our Ohio child accident lawyers at 800.637.8170 to order your free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents.