Text messaging while driving found to be more dangerous than drunk driving
Fri Sep 19, 2008 4:54PM EDT
See Comments (260)
The next time you try to text your buddies "on the way, c u there" while driving, consider this: Driving while text messaging is more dangerous than drinking and driving or driving under the influence of marijuana.
The Transport Research Laboratory in the U.K. (via The Times Online) found that when subjects were text messaging and driving at the same time, reaction speed was reduced by 35 percent, thereby increasing the likelihood of an incident. Those that were driving and drinking within the legal limit only suffered a 12 percent loss of reaction speed, and those that were driving under the influence of marijuana had their reaction speed reduced by 21 percent, 14 percent lower than while driving and texting.
Another startling statistic: According to the study, those that were texting and driving reduced their steering ability by 91 percent.
The worst part about the whole thing, in my opinion, is the general public's lack of knowledge on just how dangerous it can be. Everyone knows how dangerous it can be to drink and drive, but really, does everyone know that even picking up your cell phone for a quick text reduces your reaction speed by three times?
So, what do you all think? Does driving under the influence of texting your BFF appear to be more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol? Do you believe laws should be passed to prohibit this action, like in Washington? Let me know in the comments below.
For more information and details regarding the study, head on over to the Times Online. Be safe out there, America.
The Times Online - Texting wihle driving is more dangerous than drink-driving
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Comments on Text messaging while driving found to be more dangerous than drunk driving
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47 Posted by arethagrant on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse
It should be illegal to text while driving and common sense should dictate to the driver that it isn't the smartest thing to do. But then again, prideful, arrogant people don't think they will cause an accident while texting.
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48 Posted by liv2lovjna on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse
I completely agree with the majority it should be Illegal to text or use a cell phone while driving! Here in Houston they have banned it in certain areas during specific times that you can not have your cell or ear piece on this is in school zones. I think there should be a law against using at all. Whats worse a woman driver who cant drive, an old man whom cant see or a woman on the phone flaring her hands because her husband just got caught cheating!!!!
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49 Posted by next_of_kim on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:36PM EDT Report Abuse
If you're going to drive, drive. If you're going to text, pull over and text. Don't text while you're driving. You'd have to have about 100 pounds of brain damage to even consider doing that. What's so important that it can't wait ? Texti9ng while you're driving is just stupid.
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50 Posted by tkostac on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:12PM EDT Report Abuse
I agree this is a major problem along with talking on the cell phone. Making it illeagl won't help much though. Problem is : You can't legislate smarts!!!!!!!
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51 Posted by ssg181 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:38PM EDT Report Abuse
DRIVE YOUR F'IN CARS will you people!!!!!
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52 Posted by c_janet2008 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse
Sure, we should make this a law. Yet there are some people that are more responsible that teens are. Maybe you should raise the driving age?. yet i've seen a lot of adults driving while on the phone without a headset and i'm 18. Even i dont do that!!
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53 Posted by sunnygads on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:48PM EDT Report Abuse
DUI of intoxicants reduces reaction time, impairs vision slows limb movement, and in general reduces the motorist capabilities to drive. But with a will an average competency can be achieved. Texting or talking on the cell phone TAKES AWAY or DIVIDES, by probably 50% to 100%, your focus from your main (and required) area of attention and, in the case of texting, one of (sometimes BOTH!) your hands and eyes. Just as writing this message (in my office) has gotten me completely involved. I would like to see the same penalties applied for texting or non hands free cell phone usage as for DUI.
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54 Posted by phebexiong on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:09PM EDT Report Abuse
why would you be texting and driving in the first place? just pick up the phone and dial the number and quickly say "i'm on the way" or whatever u need to say and then hang up. it's so much easier than texting don't u think? did all of the people who TWD lose their voice or something? dang people these days.
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55 Posted by s0ccerstud18 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:59PM EDT Report Abuse
I think it all depends on how good you are at texting some people can text with out even looking at the phone and with one hand and even if you do say well you should be driving with 2 hands well seriously who actually drives with 2 hands all the time
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56 Posted by xblastvr6 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse
obviously its worse. at least drink drivers TRY to look at the road.
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57 Posted by modelman360 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:24PM EDT Report Abuse
common sense is dead! of course it's danger duh! my stepdaughter has been in 6 accidents in the last 6 years because of the darn phopne and that darn stereo being so loud, thank god she is on her own insurance! she pays $4300 a year!...........girls are just bad drivers anyway, sorry but it's been proven, putting on eye makeup, even dressing while driving, and those little lap dogs in their lap while driving..........start thinking people, you are driving a GUIDED MISSLE!
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58 Posted by modelman360 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:24PM EDT Report Abuse
one last thing, here in florida a 14 year old boy was walking with his friends from school...........he was so into texting on the phone, he walked right in front of a car and was killed, right in front of his friends.....very sad
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59 Posted by mtb_dhracer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse
Maybe they should outlaw daydreaming and not paying attention when you drive... I think this is stupid... there are so many reasons that people get into accidents, how can you make a law against text messaging???? is there a law against people changing their radio stations, or taking their eyes off of the road for something else? How about talking in the car to another passenger???? How about eating in the car while driving???
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60 Posted by nachoswc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse
I think cell phones should be banned all together. There is enough moronic people on the road that don't pay attention to what they are doing, even without texting or talking on a cell. I say if someone is caught driving while talking or texting the fine should be something like a $1000 the first time and immediate revokation of their drivers license after that.
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61 Posted by lambertofgod on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:56PM EDT Report Abuse
this study is bull----- . marijuana doesn't affect your ability to drive a car.
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62 Posted by punkrockmom1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:22PM EDT Report Abuse
Yes this law should be passed worldwide. My little sister being the young age of 18 and only having her first car for three months rolled her vehicle while texting. Fortunatly she is ok but she may have not been and anybody driving on the same road as her that day could have been affected by her accident. I also feel while we are on the topic of laws that should be passed; the age to be able to obtain a drivers license should be 18 and this is coming from someone who got their license at 16 and I am now 23 but looking back I was to young in my opinion
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63 Posted by kingbtheone on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:51PM EDT Report Abuse
i work in a collision center, and actually had a lady make up a sign and put it on her newly crAshed bumper "This is what happens when you text AND drive" LOL not safe, but keeps me in business
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64 Posted by pfunk_allstar99 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:08PM EDT Report Abuse
People, its either one thing or another, this is nothing but hype, they aren't gonna outlaw anything. Your either a good driver or a bad driver, I drive just as much as anyone commuting 150 miles a day 5 days a week. I text everyday all day on the road, no problem, you can drive with your knees and what not, i guess were gonna say the same things about radios, ipods, putting make-up on in the car, heck at the rate were going are we gonna be able to do anything in the car??? How long or how many split seconds does it take to look in a bag for a double cheeseburger?? Listen if your too scared to drive then get the heck off the road. So if were gonna outlaw texting might as well outlaw breathing. As far as the 3 tests go, pleaaassseeee I can do all 3 and pass with flying colors at the same time!!!! Sincerely, the man who hates retarded drivers
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65 Posted by cachetes510 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:16PM EDT Report Abuse
uhm if you know how to text without looking then it shouldnt be a problem. If you cant then i dont know why you would be so stupid enough and so igmorant to risk yourself texting. ahhhh stoopid ppl.
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46 Posted by human6252002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse
This is complete propaganda! The study was for drinking WITHIN THE LEGAL LIMITS, not drunk driving (illegal). If this was compared to people actually being drunk, it would be a different story. This is an extremely poor excuse for journalism, and is blatantly trying to manipulate you into choosing sides, by distorting the facts.