Christie Signs Bill Inspired by Barnegat Accident Photo Case
Law will protect accident victims' privacy rights, sponsors say
When Cathy Bates was fatally injured in an automobile accident in 2009, her family was devastated. But it's what happened after the head-on crash on Route 72 in Barnegat that spurred a bill which was signed into law this week by Gov. Chris Christie. Bates, a 40-year-old Manchester woman, was killed Oct. 23, 2009. At the accident scene, it was discovered that a volunteer first responder took photos of her which were posted on Facebook before her family members had even been notified of what had happened. "Instantly, it was on the Internet," said Diane Brown, Cathy Bates' sister. "It was hours before my mom even found out it was my sister." "You assume that someone's common sense and integrity would come into play," said Brown. "We thought…
John Esche
12:26 pm on Sunday, August 12, 2012
Hard cases make bad law. Trust a right wing nut like Christie to rush to sign a clearly unConstitutional piece of legislation like this knowing it will make him look momentarily sensitive without considering all the real world implications. The photos in question were doubtless in bad taste, but may have done more to curb bad driving than all the extra police Christie won't bother to fund … more ›