Most of us have all done it before… texting while driving. I’ve actually texted while doing lots of things, including: driving, walking, walking my dog, working out, cooking and even taking a bath. I’m addicted. I have to admit, I actually text more than I talk on the phone.
Studies have shown that texting while driving is more dangerous than drinking and driving. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, people who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash, or a near-crash event, than nondistracted drivers. In another study, Researchers in Britain claim that texting behind the wheel is more dangerous than driving while under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
The study, carried out on young drivers aged 17-24 using a simulator, found that reaction time slowed by 35% when they were writing or reading text messages while driving. In comparison, reaction time deteriorated by 21% for those under the influence of marijuana, and by 12% at the legal alcohol limit. In addition, the study carried out by Transport Research Laboratory for the RAC Foundation, found that steering control worsened by 91% for those who were distracted by texts, compared to 35% for those who had smoked marijuana.
While this multi-tasking habit can be addictive, it’s incredibly distracting and potentially deadly. I came across this PSA today, it’s out of the UK, and is causing quite a stir; I give you fair warning, the content you are about to watch is graphic.
While many people would advocate a ban for texting while driving, it is illegal in 14 states now. In California, texting is a violation of the state vehicle code, subjecting drivers caught writing them or reading them to a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for repeat offenses.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.
Filed under: Automotive, Blogging, Travel | Tagged: crash, imparied drivers, PSA-Texting while driving, RAC, Texting while driving, Transport Research Laboratory, wjhg
Gosh, texting while driving is just so incredibly dangerous. I don’t think people really understand just how dangerous it is… It’s illegal in the state of California. It’s been illegal ever since the beginning of the year, thank goodness. It’s just impossible to drive safely while also looking at your cell phone to make sure you’re typing the message properly or to send the message. It’s just not worth it. Pullllll over if you so desperately need to send a text message to someone.
People are going to be killed if they are texting in California and endup like another Norman Bagley and Ted Eshom. Norm and Ted was involved on a head-on collision.