Vehicle first appeared on the roads in United Kingdom (UK) during 1880’s, but the first motor insurance is issued during 1890’s. Therefore it is almost 10 years time people use a motor vehicle as a mode of transportation without insurance coverage. Therefore, through their (insurer) experiences on other classes of insurance such as fire, theft & liability, they introduce the motor insurance towards the use of transportation. Then they emphasis it (motor insurance) on the subject matter which is the vehicle. Hence, they did it upon the drivers.
At that time, insurer gave more weight or more concern about the drivers. They (insurer) will look into their (insured) experience especially young drivers. The early years of twentieth century, the formation of insurance company (composite office) is more emphasis upon motor insurance. Why? This situation arises due to increase in number of the vehicles use on the public roads. By their (insured) experience on fire, theft and liability insurance, they (motorist) placed most of the business with the composite office.
Most of these composite offices are belongs to Accident Office Association (AOA). By the time being, AOA realized that their joint and several interests would best be served if they agree to adopt a set of guidelines and basic rates of motor insurance. Composite offices which subscribing with tariff agreement will pooled their statistics and set the minimum rates for the various classes of motor insurance. During the Second World War, the competition in motor insurance subsided because there are fewer vehicles in private use. This situation directly gives bad impact to motor insurance business.
After a Second World War, people start to have their own vehicle for private use. This situation brings back the motor insurance business. The composite offices at that time which can best be defined as ‘mushroom’ aims for fast growth by offering lower premium and high rates of commission. They give the brokers to increase underwriting authority, prepare endorsements and to settle claims. Those companies didn’t have sufficient skills in maintaining the margin solvency and it is resulted in bankruptcies. Consequent, led to a greater control.
MOTOR INSURANCE IN MALAYSIA.
In Malaysia, motor insurance business is regulated by Motor Tariff which formulated by PIAM. Therefore there is no motor insurance which is non-tariff unless specifically declared as such in the tariff and members of the association. On 1st November 1980, PIAM has imposed Cash before Cover. Hence, Inter-Company agreement on motor insurance imposed by PIAM at the end of 1985 is to restrict the commission allowable to intermediaries. PIAM also instructed its members in their motor insurance policy an authorized repairers list in ensuring that the policy cover is effective.
LEGISLATION Road Transport Act 1987 Motor insurance in Malaysia is regulated primarily by the Road Transport Act 1987, as amended from time to time. These Acts deals not only deals with insurance but also with many aspects of road law such as licensing, registration, traffic offences, roads, regulations etc. The objectives of the Road Transport Act 1987 are:- * To make provision for the regulation of motor vehicles and of traffic on roads and other matters with respect to roads and vehicles thereon.
* To make provision for the protection of third parties against risks arising out of the use of motor vehicles. * To make provision for the co-ordination and control of means of facilities for transport. * To make provision for the co-ordination and control of means of and facilities for construction and adaptation of motor vehicles. * To make provision for connected purposes. MOTOR INSURANCE Motor insurance is a security provided by an insurance company to the owner and / or driver of a motor vehicle against claims for damages and / or loss caused by the insured vehicle while being used on a public road.
This policy is a contract of insurance between the principal policyholder, who acts on the behalf of himself/herself, and each vehicle policyholder and/or named driver and insurance company. It is the principal policyholder’s responsibility to ensure that all persons insured are aware of the terms of the policy. The elements of contract of insurance are:- * Policy booklet * Information contained on your application and document issued by insurance company * Schedule * Any clauses endorsed in policy * Certificate of Motor Insurance
* Any changes to insurance policy contained in notices issued by insurance company at renewal. 1. 0SECTION 40: EXCEEDING SPEED LIMIT 40. (1) If any person drives a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding any speed limit imposed for such motor vehicle under the powers conferred by this act he shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand ringgit. (2) The court shall, unless for any special reasons it thinks fit to order otherwise, order particulars of any finding of guilt under this section to be endorsed on any driving licence held by the person convicted.
(3) A first or second conviction for an offence under this section shall not render the offender liable to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a longer period than in the first conviction, one month or, in the case of a second conviction, six months. Illustration In section 40, subsection (1), (2) and (3), under Road Transport Act, if any people drive any types of motor vehicle more than speed limit which has imposed by legislation, they will incur a fine not more than RM1000, except for any ‘special reason’.
An amendment had been made for subsection (1) by substituting for the words not exceeding RM1000 to not less than RM300 and not more than two thousand (Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2012). They would still be found guilty of an offence, but there would be a special reason found guilty of an offence and they must find why they should not receive the usual penalty for that offence. If any guilty of an offence, they cannot hold or obtain their driving license for certain duration, one month for first conviction and six months for the second conviction.
Special Reason i) Medical Emergency Firstly you must prove that you are committed the offence because of medical emergency and the emergency must be genuine and unforeseen. You must also show that you drove only as a last resort and should have exhausted all other possibilities of dealing with the emergency. For example, if Suraya lived in rural area drove (whilst over the legal limit) to take her sister to hospital because of no ambulance was available, and then this would probably amount to special reason for not disqualifying. ii) Shortness Distance
Depends on the whole circumstances of the incident and the distance must very short indeed. The distance will be one of a number of factors considered by the court. Distances of less than a mile will probably qualify but depends on certain circumstances of the case. Factors considered are:- * How far was the vehicle driven * In what manner was the vehicle driven * What was the state of the vehicle * Was it the intention of the driver to drive any further * What were the road, traffic and weather conditions * Was there a possibility of contact with other road users; and * What was the reason for driving?
iii) Laced or Spiked Drinks For offences involving alcohol, it will not be a special reason if do not realise how much you drank. But if you do not know or don’t realise how alcoholic your drink is, then this will amount to a special reason if it was obvious that the unadulterated drink would not have put you over the legal limit. For instances, Hock are served regular beers when he ask for alcohol-free ones and someone ‘spiked’ Hock pint with shots of tequila. 1. 1Speed Limit and Compliance Speed is an important measure of the quality of level and safety of road network.
Speed is defined as the rate of movement of vehicle in distance per unit time. A typical unit of speed is kilometres per hour (kph) or miles per hour (mph). In analysing spot speed data a number of significant values are obtained. Some of these values are computed directly from the data while others are determined from graphic. The data usually computed by using counter and radar meter. Besides that, automated enforcement system camera has released in 14 hotspots location in Malaysia. It meant to save live and to discipline drivers.
Every camera is put with warning signs because the cameras are meant to slow drivers at accident prone areas. Images 1. 1 1. 2Speed Legislation The rules of speed limit are cited under Motor vehicle (speed limit) rules. Motor vehicles not to be driven in excess of speed limit It has been stated that no motor vehicle shall be driven on any road at a speed in excess of the speed set out in schedule for that type of motor vehicle. If an excursion bus or an express bus is driven in excess of speed set out in schedule, driver or registered owner shall not drive exceed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.
Besides that, the Government vehicle as determined by the Minister, the driven shall not exceed limit of 70 or 80 kilometres per hour. But, it shall not apply to any motor vehicle being used for urgent fire brigade, ambulance, customs, police or road transport enforcement purposes because the compliance of the rule will hinder the use of the vehicle. National speed limit in Malaysia National speed limit is a set of speed limits applicable on Malaysian expressways, federal roads, state roads and municipal roads. It was enforced on 1 February 1989 following the National Speed Limit Orders 1989.
As like any other countries in the world, failing to obey the speed limit on Malaysian roads and expressways is an offence as subject to Malaysian Road Safety Act 1987, which can be fined up to RM300, depending on the difference between the speed limit and the driven speed. Classification of speed limit * Default speed limits Expressways 110km/h (68mph) by default, but may be reduced to 80 or 90 km/h (50-56 mph) at dangerous mountainous stretches, crosswind areas and urban areas with high traffic capacity. Federal Roads.
90 km/h (56mph) by default (reduced to 80 km/h during festive seasons) [2], 60 km/h (37 mph) in town area. State Roads 90 km/h (56 mph) by default (reduced to 80 km/h during festive season) [2], 60 km/h (37mph) in town area. * Special speed limit These speed limits are applied to heavy vehicles, and all heavy vehicles have speed limit stickers describing the allowed speed limits, especially express bus. The speed limits are:- Expressways 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) Federal and state roads 70-80 km/h (43-50 mph) by default, 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas * Other speed limit.
At school areas the speed limit is 35 km/h (22mph) applicable during rush hours. In addition, car with trailers apply the same speed limit as heavier vehicles (80 km/h (50 mph) on expressways and 80 km/h (50 mph) on other roads. Commence from 2006 on Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Malaysian Police began to lower the speed limit during festive seasons for all federal and state roads at 90 km/h (56 mph) down to 80 km/h (50 mph). 1. 3Speed Penalties Speeding over the enforced speed limit will incur fined up to RM300 and offenders may also receive demerit points as subject to KEJARA System by Malaysian Road Transport Department.
Demerit point system is the point to drivers on conviction for road traffic offences. The speed penalties are given according to the difference of the driven speed and the enforced speed limits are as follows:- a) 1-25 km/h: RM80 (6 demerit points) b) 26-40 km/h: RM 150 (8 demerit points) c) Over 40 km/h: RM 300 (10 demerit points) Schedule of Government vehicle determined by the Minister | | Maximum Speed (kilometres per hour)| | No. | Class of Vehicle| Road described in Schedule to National Speed Limit Order 1989| Other roads| 1. | Motor vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres on all wheels.
A) Passenger vehicles i) having a seating capacity not exceeding twelve persons, including the driver, and used for hire or reward ii) having a seating capacity exceeding twelve persons, including the driver iii) when drawing a trailer iv) motor van B).
Goods vehicles (rigid or articulated) i) when not drawing a trailer or semi-trailer and the maximum permissible laden weight of which which does not exceeds 7,500 kilogrammes ii) when not drawing a trailer or semi-trailer and the maximum permissible laden weight of which exceeds 7,500 kilogrammes iii) when drawing a trailer or semi-trailer, excluding a trailer drawn by land tractor iv) 3 wheelers including motor cycles with side carsC) Recovery trucks, mobile cranes and other mobile machineries, vehicles drawing mobile.
D) Land tractors with or without a trailer | 110908090908080708050| 90807080807070607040| 2. | Motor vehicles fitted with solid rubber tyres | Half the speeds specified in paragraph 1| Half the speeds specified in paragraph 1| 3. | Motor vehicles not fitted with either pneumatic tyres or with solid rubber tyres.
For the purposes of this Schedule (a) a motor vehicle shall be deemed to be fitted with solid rubber tyres if one or more of its wheels are fitted with solid rubber tyres and the remaining wheels are fitted with the pneumatic tyres; (b) a motor vehicle shall be deemed to be not fitted with either pneumatic tyres or with solid rubber tyres if any of its wheels is not fitted with either pneumatic tyres or with solid rubber tyres or if such vehicle is a track laying vehicle. | 20| 20| Summary In Malaysia, motor insurance business is regulated by Motor Tariff which is formulated by PIAM. Motor insurance in Malaysia was regulated by the Road Transport Act and has been amended time to time.
Under Road Transport Act, under section 40, if any people drive any types of motor vehicle more than speed limit which has imposed by legislation, they will incur a fine. 2. 0SECTION 41: CAUSING DEATH BY RECKLESS OR DANGEROUS DRIVING 41.
(1) Any person who, by the driving of a motor vehicle on a road recklessly or at a speed or in a manner which having regard to all the circumstances (including the nature, condition and size of the road, and the amount of traffic which is or might be expected to be on the road) is dangerous to the public, causes the death of any person shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term of *not less than two years and not more than ten years and to a fine not less than five thousand ringgit and not more than twenty thousand ringgit.
(2) The court shall order particulars of any conviction under this section to be endorsed on any driving licence held by the person convicted. (3) A person convicted under this section shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for a period of **not less than three years from the date of the conviction and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, be disqualified for a period of ten years from the date of conviction.
(3A) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a person who is a holder of a probationary driving license is convicted under this section, the court shall revoke his driving licence. (4) The court may upon the trial of a person for an offence under this section convict such person of an offence under section 42 or 43.
(5) Notwithstanding anything in any written law for the time being in force, the court before which a person is charged with an offence under this section shall order the immediate confiscation of the driving licence of that person and shall order the suspension of the license commencing from the date the charge is first read to that person and such suspension shall have effect– (a) until the court makes a final decision on the charge; and (b) as if the suspension is the suspension referred to in section 32.
(5A) If the driving licence of the person referred to in subsection (5) is incorporated in a multipurpose electronic card or device, the order of the court under that subsection shall be deemed to have been complied with if the particulars of the order are included in the database maintained by or on behalf of the Director General of driving licences granted under this Act and holders of such driving licences.
(5B) Notwithstanding subsection (5A), the Director may direct the person referred to in subsection (5) to surrender, within such period as the Director may specify, the multipurpose electronic card or device in which the driving licence is incorporated to him, or to a road transport officer authorized in writing in that behalf by the Director General, for the inclusion in the data stored in the card or device the particulars of the order of the court made under subsection (5) and the Director or such authorized officer shall, after such inclusion, immediately return the card or device to the person.
Summary of Section 41: Causing death by reckless or dangerous driving 41. (1) Driving a motor vehicle on a road recklessly or at speed or which having regard to all the circumstances; nature, condition and size of the road and the amount of traffic which might be expected to be expected to be dangerous to the public and can cause’s death of a person.
Reckless means not thinking about the possible bad effects of your actions. And reckless driving means the crime of driving a vehicle in a way that is likely to hurt or kill people. Dangerous driving means the way he or she drives falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous For example; texting while driving, turning on to the left or right side without giving adequate signals, speeding and driving fast on school area or place where there are many people. A person found guilty shall be punished with :- I. Imprisonment – for more than 2 years but less than 10 years II.
Fine – more than RM 5,000 but less than RM20,000 41. (2) The court shall record the offence committed by the driver on their driving license 41. (3)
The driver shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining driving license for a period of more than 3 years, starting from the date of conviction of the accident. In case of second or subsequent conviction, driver will be disqualified for a 10 years from the date of conviction. 41. (3A) Person who is holding of probationary driving license is convicted under this section; the court shall revoke his driving license. Probationary driving license possessed by new drivers who have passed all the driving lesson procedures and tests.
Probationary drivers are required to display the probationary licence plate (marked with white capital P in square red background) at the front and back of their respective vehicles. A probationary licence may be upgraded to a full competent driving licence after 2 years.
Revoke means officially say that something is no longer legal 41. (4) Upon the trial of a person under this section maybe convicted of an offence under : * Section 42 – Reckless and dangerous driving * Section 43 – Careless and inconsiderate driving 41. (5) Before the person is charged with an offence of this section The court shall order to immediate confiscation the drivers driving license v Order the suspension of the driving license Its effects:
* From the date the charge is first read to the person > The court makes a final decision on the charge * If suspension but drives but the driver still drives , he or she is liable to :- * Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year * To a fine not exceeding RM 5 ,000 Confiscation – to officially remove someone’s possessions for legal reasons or as a punishment Suspension – the act of officially stopping something for a period of time. 41. (5A) If the driving license is a multipurpose electronic card or device.
Must give to the Director General the driving license within such period vDirector General of officer will write a letter of inclusion in the data stored in the card or device Questions 1.
Ali is texting while driving in the school compound where there are many children crossing the road. If only he hits one of the children and cause death. Which section under Road Transport Act will he be charged? 2. Sarah is found guilty under Section 41,RTA 1987 shall be punished with? 3. What is the meaning of reckless driving? Answer 1. Ali will be charged under Section 41 , Road Transport Act that is causing death by reckless or dangerous driving 2. If Sarah is found guilty under Section 41, RTA 1987 shall be punished with imprisonment – for more than 2 years but less than 10 years and fine that is more than RM 5,000 but less than RM20,000 3.
Reckless driving means the crime of driving a vehicle in a way that is likely to hurt or kill people. Explanation of Section 41 Road Transport Act 1987 – Causing death by reckless or dangerous driving | Ops Sikap XIV 2007| Ops Sikap XVI 2008| Ops Sikap XVI 2009| Ops Sikap XXI 2010| Ops Sikap XXII 2011| Amount of death accident in Malaysia| 192| 178| 198| 179| 183| Source : Portal Polis DiRaja Malaysia Statistic above shows the amount of death accident in Malaysia from year 2007 and year 2011. So much to do, so little time. That’s precisely what people are saying to justify multitasking behind the steering wheel or even the reasons why people are driving fast nowadays.
They are taking phone calls, eating meals, texting friends, reading letters, applying makeup, checking Facebook and even changing clothes while driving. In the process, those distracted drivers are making the roads a lot less safe for everyone else. Not just that, usually during the festive seasons, drivers tend to drive above the speed limits so that they could reason to their destination as soon as possible. When they drive fast this could actually cause death or injury to others.
Take for example, the bus accident in year 2010. 12 died, 3 more died in hospital caused by bus that was speeding, crashed to the guardrail and landed on a few cars on the other incoming lane.
3. 0SECTION 42: RECKLESS AND DANGEROUS DRIVING
42(1) Any person who drives a motor vehicle on a road recklessly or at speed or in a manner which having regard to all the circumstances(including the nature, condition and size of the road and the amount of traffic which is or might be expected to be on the road) is dangerous to the public shall be guilty of an offence and shall be on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term *not exceeding five years and to be fine of not less than five thousand ringgit and not more than fifteen thousand ringgit and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years and to fine not less than ten thousand ringgit and not more than twenty thousand ringgit.
(2) The court shall order particulars of any conviction under this section to be endorsed on any driving held by the person convicted. (3) A person convicted under this section shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for a period of not less than** two years from the date of conviction and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, be disqualified for a period of ten years from the date of the conviction. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a person who is holder of a probationary driving license is convicted under this section, the court shall revoke his driving license. What is reckless or dangerous driving?
Reckless driving in US, the crime of driving a vehicle in a way that is likely to hurt or kill people. (MacMillan, 2007) Several of the most common moral hazard conducts by driver while driving are: * Text messaging while driving * Talking through cellular phone * Put on make-up while driving * Driving under the influence of alcohol/intoxicated * Unsafe changes of lane(not giving signal and watch other car behind before change lane) * Driving over the speed limit. * Drowsy or fatigued due to long journey or not enough rest. Other than that, the hazard may arise due to malfunction or defect in motor vehicles, the road condition and also the weather.
For example, during heavy rain, drivers’ view will be reducing which can cause knock to knock accidents. Here, we can consider that, as a reasonable man, a driver should take any reasonable action while driving which indirectly can avoid an accident from occurred. However, indifference decision made by various type of driver can cause accident. For example, in a junction where the traffic light is not function, a careful and reasonable driver will slow down the car before cross the road to see whether there are any other cars that want to move first. This action can minimize the risk of collision accident. In order to educate and avoid the people from reckless and dangerous driving, section 42, Road Transport Act 1987is enacted.
Under this section, a person who is found guilty of an offence will be punished with imprisonment for a term maximum five years and fines above RM 5, 000 and not more than RM 15, 000. In a case of second or subsequent conviction, imprisonment is not more than 10 years and fine above RM 10, 000 but not more than RM 20, 000. In addition, that conviction will be endorsed in a license held by a person who had been convicted under section 42 Road Transport Act 1987. This will prove the negative impact for a person who is reckless and dangerous while driving. Besides that, a person convicted under this section will also be disqualified from holding driving license not less than two years from the date of conviction. In a case of second or subsequent conviction, a person will be disqualified for a period of ten years.
Although under probationary period, a driver who commit traffic offence will not sent to prison and they are agree not to break the law, driver who is under probation period is not excluded from this section. The court will revoke the license of a person who is holding probationary license if he/she is convicted under this section.
This shows that, whether or not a person holding probationary or full driving license, he/she should apply a good and careful behavior while driving to avoid injury or death to other person. Case studies 1. Case study: Paris Hamilton is found guilty of driving while intoxicated. She hit the divider across the federal highway. Under which section should she is convicted for? What will be the fine or imprisonment if this is the second conviction for her under the same section?
Answer: She is convicted under section 42 Road Transport Act 1987. Since it is her second conviction, she will be imprisonment is not more than 10 years and fine above RM 10, 000 but not more than RM 20, 000. 2. Case study: Justin Bigbig just gets his probationary license a month ago. While waiting at red traffic light, he uses his mobile phone to call his wife. Suddenly, the car behind his car hit the bumper which causes major damage. Will Justin be liable for the damage? What will be the consequences? Answer: Justin can be conceited under section 42 Road Transport Act 1987 due to his reckless driving which is using mobile phone while driving.
Since he is holding the probationary license, his license can be revoke by the court.
4. 0SECTION 43: CARELESS AND INCONSIDERATE DRIVING (1) A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road shall be guilty of an offence and *shall on conviction be punished with a fine of not less than four thousand ringgit and not more than ten thousand ringgit and shall also be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months. (2) The court shall, (unless for any special reason it thinks fit to order otherwise), order particulars of any conviction under this section to be endorsed on any driving license held by the person convicted.
(3) On a second or subsequent conviction under this section, the court shall exercise the power conferred by this Part ordering that the offender shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license unless the court having regard to the lapse of time since the date of the previous or last previous conviction or for any other reason (which reason shall be stated in the order), thinks fit to order otherwise, but this provision shall not be construed as affecting the right of the court to exercise the power aforesaid on a first conviction. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a person who is a holder of a probationary driving licence is convicted under this section, the court shall revoke his driving licence. According to the Act, Careless Driving Includes:
* Driving a vehicle on a road without due care and attention, * Driving a vehicle on a public road without consideration for other road users. Driving with due care and attention involves all drivers, whatever their standard of driving or status and expects them to show a reasonable standard of care and attention to the road they are using and to other drivers using that road. The law is laid down in this way to include all cases of bad driving including those that fall slightly short of reckless driving. A charge of careless driving can be made in many situations, including when there is a lack of attention, judgment or concentration, or due to a mistake being made.
If a person is stopped for bad driving, or have been involved in an accident as a result of his/her road conduct, she/he may be charged with one of two offences: * Careless Driving: This is when people drive in a way that the police do not believe is representative of a reasonable and careful driver. * Dangerous Driving: This is when people drive in a way that is hazardous to people or property. * Manslaughter while driving a vehicle * Causing death by dangerous driving * Driving Without Lights On Question: Can you be charged with driving without due care and attention for just not having your lights on? Answer: You can be charged without due care and attention ‘just’ for not having your lights on.
Driving without lights when they are needed is an extremely dangerous thing to do and what most motorists forget is that just because they can see well enough to drive, it doesn’t mean that other drivers can see them – and that can prove disastrous * Drinking and Eating While Driving Drinking and eating while driving doubles the likelihood of having a car crash. Drivers caught drinking and eating at the wheel could be convicted of driving without due care and attention.
The Dangers of Drinking and Eating While Driving Drinking and eating at the wheel can cause a mental overload that diminishes the ability to deal with other events on the road. A study by Brunei University found that the number of crashes actually doubled with drivers who were eating and drinking while driving. Many drivers may view drinking and eating while driving as a fairly inconsequential act but it can easily lead to serious road traffic accidents.
Driving without due care and attention may be the minimum offence applied if a serious road traffic accident occurs. Around 53% of 3000 drivers surveyed admitted to consuming food and drink while driving. Undue Care behind the Driving Wheel The study carried out by Brunel University does show the dangers of driving while drinking and eating.
But many drivers carry out a diversity of acts while driving that could lead to road accidents. Of the 3000 drivers polled, 12% admitted to smoking behind the wheel, 11% prepared for meetings and 6% applied make-up or got dressed while driving. Around 7% of drivers carried out the illegal act of using a mobile telephone while driving.
In total, 54% of the 3000 surveyed claimed they had driven irresponsibly due to these acts. Distracted Drivers Become a Police Target The police are aware that distracted drivers can cause major road accidents. Speed cameras are frequently used to capture images of motorists drinking and eating while driving. One recent report involved an 18 year old student who completely lost control of her vehicle while eating and texting on a mobile phone while driving.
It is very easy for road traffic police to spot distracted drivers, and speed cameras will help with evidence gathering. According to the police, drinking and driving at the wheel is as serious a distraction as driving under the influence of alcohol.