Tiger Woods’ excuse for DUI charge shows flaw in our driving-sins hierarchy
AJC.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Tiger Woods was involved in a rollover crash near his Florida home and was charged with DUI; he claimed distraction from looking at his phone and adjusting the radio caused the accident.
- Woods appeared impaired and lethargic to officers, passed a breathalyzer test, but refused a urine test; two hydrocodone pills were found in his possession.
- The incident highlights society’s tendency to view distracted driving as less severe than impaired driving, despite both posing serious dangers on the road.
- Current penalties for distracted driving are much lighter than DUI penalties, though experts say the risks of distracted driving are comparable to those of impaired driving.
- Authorities and safety advocates urge treating distracted and fatigued driving with the same seriousness as impaired driving to reduce traffic fatalities.
