Richard J. Serpe, P.C. Blog

DWT – a new acronym for distracted drivers

We all know that distracted drivers are a problem.  Who hasn’t glanced over at another vehicle zipping by, only to see the driver munching on a burger, putting on lipstick, or yapping on their cell-phone?  No amount of public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving seems to affect these drivers.  While some people think more aggressive public education campaigns can change bad driving habits, others are looking to the law.

Last year the Virginia General Assembly was successful in passing a law banning cell-phone use by drivers under the age of 18.  So far, they’ve not been successful in passing laws aimed at older drivers.  However the latest targets of lawmakers are those who DWT.  You may already know this acronym; it stands for Driving While Texting.

Studies have found that DWT is a major distraction, especially among younger drivers.  So great is the concern that this year Virginia lawmakers proposed two bills that would make it illegal to read, send, or receive text messages while driving.  These laws won’t go into effect anytime soon, though – they were sent off for further study, so we’ll have to wait until next year’s General Assembly.

What do you think – are laws aimed at restricting cell-phone use and DWT justified?  Will they make a difference on our roads?  Leave us a comment and tell us what you think, and then read our article about drunk and distracted drivers.

Read More about "DWT – a new acronym for distracted drivers"