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
Comments on Text messaging while driving found to be more dangerous than drunk driving
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2 Posted by coolkyle4@snet.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse
i think it should b outlawed, because well, people do stupid things, and well, the law makes it so people get locked up for doing stupid things. it drives me insane, that they actually have to do tests like this. who would be stupid enough 2 text somewhere, which requires your hands and eyes, which would stop and be occupied for texting. i didnt think it was as bad as the stats say, but good to kno.
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3 Posted by kupriaa1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:54PM EDT Report Abuse
There is something worse then texting drivers- drunk texting drivers!! - Im on my way- save a drink for me!!
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4 Posted by ttjjss00 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:23PM EDT Report Abuse
"they" didn't study me! I would like to take all three tests to see my reaction time. Gaurantee my reaction speed gets better for each category.
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5 Posted by mcann541 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:13PM EDT Report Abuse
I text while driving all the time and never caused an accident. It saves time when you can get stuff done during your commute!
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6 Posted by dava_owen on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:37PM EDT Report Abuse
i think it should be law our teens think they can do it all untill something bad happens.
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7 Posted by dadrom on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:34PM EDT Report Abuse
Absolutely!!! People struggle to drive while talking on the phone let alone trying to text. I called 911 on a woman that I thought was intoxicated by the way she was driving. When I was passing her only then did I realize she was texting on her phone. Outlaw texting................
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8 Posted by familyguy829 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:58PM EDT Report Abuse
@dava_owen: So it's always teens? Don't you dare group every single teen into one majority. Every person is their own identity regardless of age. It's a perfect example as to why the "study" done on this is complete BULL. How old were the people, what is their mental state? So many variables, so little time. As for the rest of your statement, when exactly will this bad thing happen? You're just as likely to get into an accident because some idiot runs a red light or some doofus cuts you off. Why don't we just outlaw driving all together? I think that would solve the problem, don't you?
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9 Posted by familyguy829 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:58PM EDT Report Abuse
Outlawing text driving won't stop it people. You're all so naive.
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10 Posted by daniellemezzulo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:35PM EDT Report Abuse
RE: mcann541: I text while driving all the time and never caused an accident. It saves time when you can get stuff done during your commute! nice. there IS a first time for everything. just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. the ignorance is amazing. that's almost as good as palin's foreign policy experience!!
1 Posted by dcsoccer25 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:39PM EDT Report Abuse
I most certainly do think it should be outlawed. I've tried it a couple times, it doesn't work. It can wait until you stop, or you can use a headset and call them.