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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Texting Boosts Driver Crash Risk 23 Times

Texting while driving found to be deadliest distraction

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(Newser) – A first-of-its-kind study has found that sending and receiving text messages is the deadliest distraction for drivers by far, the New York Times reports. The study, which involved cameras in the cabs of long-haul trucks, found that texting raised a driver's risk of collision a whopping 23 times, putting it "in its own universe of risk," according to the chief researcher.

The study found that drivers took their eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds while texting, long enough to cover the length of a football field. An earlier, simulator-based study found that drivers were eight times likelier to crash while texting. "You’re off the charts in both cases,” a researcher warned. “It’s crazy to be doing it.” Texting while driving is currently legal in 34 states.

A recent survey found that 95% of drivers considers texting while driving unacceptable, although 21% admitted having recently done so.
A recent survey found that 95% of drivers considers texting while driving unacceptable, although 21% admitted having recently done so.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Cars drive by a sign notifying of a new texting while driving law in California last year.
Cars drive by a sign notifying of a new texting while driving law in California last year.   (Getty Images)
The study found that drivers took their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds when sending or receiving texts.
The study found that drivers took their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds when sending or receiving texts.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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9 comments
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Ucantusethatname
Jul 28, 09 5:37 AM CDT
We continue to disregard the real enemy on the road: alcohol. Each day 36 persons die and almost 700 are injured in vehicle crashes that involve a drunk driver. There are many factors that interfere with driving. Changing a radio, lighting a cigarette, adjusting a seatbelt, and having sex in the backseat are sometimes distractions. You cannot outlaw everything, so let's address the most serious problems first, beginning with alcohol. Reply
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Unaffiliated
Jul 28, 09 8:25 AM CDT
I admit it was not scientifically rigorous, but the Mythbusters did an episode where they compared DUI with driving while talking on a cell phone, in which they drove through an obstacle course sober, sober on the phone, and drunk. Their reaction times were just as bad on the phone as they were drunk. Driving while drunk gets lots of bad publicity, and rightly so. I'd like to see driving while calling get just as much bad publicity. Have someone else in the car talk on the phone for you, use a headset or Bluetooth speaker, or pull over.
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Kookey90
Jul 28, 09 5:58 AM CDT
Man, I've never had sex in the back seat while driving a car; that must be some trick. Reply
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nick
Jul 28, 09 9:13 AM CDT
This article is not about talking on the phone while driving, so let's try to give the subject the attention and serious thought it deserves. Texting requires taking your eyes off the road in order to type a non-urgent message! Driving requires that your eyes and attention remain on the road at all times. Therefore, texting while driving is utter stupidity. Texting while operating a vehicle is nothing but dangerous, and if you're doing it you are an accident waiting to happen, and a danger not only to you passengers, but to all those cars and pedestrians in you path ... all potential innocent victims of your selfishness and utter foolishness. If you must text, then pull off the road to do so. Reply
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Unaffiliated
Jul 28, 09 10:09 AM CDT
My point was that just talking on the phone is dangerous. Texting/emailing while driving is of course much more dangerous.
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