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January 25, 2007, 08:46
shufitz
DWD
We know the term DWI ('Driving While Intoxicated'), and as I recall, Morgan long ago told us about SWI ('Snowmobiling While Intoxicated'). But have you ever heard of DWD ('Driving While Distracted')? I understand that it can now be a legal offence.
January 25, 2007, 21:00
Kalleh
I haven't heard the acronym (or initialism, as arnie calls it), but it makes sense. I agree that it is a huge cause of accidents. I once saw someone driving on the expressway and practicing a trumpet in stop and go traffic. That was probably the worst of what I've seen, but I've seen people drive as they've read newspapers or books, as they've shaved (or is it shaven?), as they put on makeup, eaten, etc., etc.
January 26, 2007, 08:00
arnie
We have an offence called driving without due care and attention which seems to cover your DWD.


Build a man a fire and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
January 26, 2007, 09:46
shufitz
quote:
We have an offence called driving without due care and attention
As a lawyer, I naturally went to look for the legal definition of that offense. Smile

Interestingly, I couldn't find it! Apparently it used to be defined in broad terms, leaving the courts to apply those terms in particular cases, but was amended in 2006 to provide a staturory definition. Thus:But I couldn't find that 2006 statute!

Edit: Thank you, zmj! You nailed it. The first cite gives the amendment.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: shufitz,
January 26, 2007, 09:50
zmježd
But I couldn't find that 2006 statute!

Is this what you're looking for? Also, the section of the 1988 Act it amended.


Ceci n'est pas un seing.
January 26, 2007, 10:35
wordmatic
In Pennsylvania, DWI is DUI--Driving Under the Influence.
January 27, 2007, 10:21
pearce
The rules in Great Britain are similar. The Institute of Advanced Motoring advised:

as from Midnight on 1 December 2003:

It is a specific offence to use a hand-held phone when driving. A hand-held device is something that “is or must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function.” A motorist can regard driving as meaning a vehicle with the engine running. In simple terms you can use a mobile as long as you don’t hold the phone and you can’t use a hand-held phone if the
engine is running.

Motorists will receive a fixed penalty. Motorists can take the matter to court and the maximum fine is £1000. (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles). [fines may have changed]
Mobile phones should be placed in cradles e attached to the dashboard. Pushing buttons is permissible.
However, … iIf you are stopped by police and you are using a hands-free phone while driving, you can face prosecution under other motoring laws. The police can charge you with driving
without due care and attention, not being in proper control and dangerous driving. [/QUOTE]

It may also constitute an offence to drive whilst holding food or a can of drink etc.
Since most road accidents are caused by driver error, these rules save lives.