Dictionary definition of “phoneslaughter”

phoneslaughter

n. vehicular manslaughter caused by use of a cell phone while driving. Subjects: English, Automobiles & Transportation, Crime & Prisons, Technology, Slang

Editorial Note: The 2001 cite seems to be a reposting of an article from ABC News where the term phoneslaughter appeared only in the headline, although this cannot be confirmed because the original article is no longer available online. It is cited that way, however, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and elsewhere. In LexisNexis what appears to be the same story has a different headline and does not contain the term.

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Citations: 2001 [Slimpickins] Usenet: alt.true-crime (Apr. 16) “Nevada: Landmark ‘Phone Slaughter’ Case”: Phoneslaughter? Felony Charges in Distracted Driving Case. 2004 Kristin Dizon Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Wash,) (Nov. 16) “Human Crash Toll Has Some Arguing For Ban On Cell Phone Use At The Wheel” p. A1: In Washington state, it’s not illegal to drive while using a cell phone, nor is law enforcement required to track it as a factor in collisions. And if you kill someone while you’re doing it—called “phoneslaughter” by some—it’s unlikely you’ll face jail time. 2006 Matt Clark @ Bowling Green State University BG News (Bowling Green, Ohio) (Jan. 24) “Too Connected”: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have banned the use of handheld cell phones across their entire jurisdictions. Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania allow municipalities to ban cell phone use while driving. In Ohio, the “phoneslaughter,” as some refer to it, has been banned in the communities of North Olmstead and Walton Hills.

Posted 27 Jan 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend