Texting while driving case wrapping up

BURLINGTON — The prosecution has rested in the case of a Vermont woman who’s charged with hitting a pedestrian with her car while texting and driving.
Nineteen-year-old Emma Viera faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in injury. She’s accused of striking 53-year-old Deb Drewniak in August, 2011, as Drewniak was walking her dog in the dark.
The Burlington Free Press reports that in testimony Wednesday, Drewniak described how the crash robbed her of her independence and her best friend — her dog. She has double vision, trouble speaking and walking and has been unable to work.
Viera’s lawyer says her client is unlikely to testify. An accident reconstructionist scheduled to testify Thursday is the defense’s sole witness.