By Ed White
Associated Press
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A 70-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 days in jail in the death of a pregnant woman whose Jeep Liberty exploded in flames after he rear-ended it.
Kayla White of Ferndale was one of more than 70 people killed in fires involving older Jeeps with plastic fuel tanks mounted behind the rear axle.
Clarence Heath’s Cadillac struck White’s vehicle in November. Southfield District Court Judge William Richards on Wednesday told Heath it was “reckless and dangerous” driving, not an accident. Heath expressed remorse during the hearing.
Richards also sentenced Heath to two years of probation for the misdemeanor.
Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.56 million Jeeps in 2013 under pressure from regulators.
White’s Jeep wasn’t repaired. It’s uncertain if a hitch could have prevented the fire and the 23-year-old’s death.