Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Texting Boosts Driver Crash Risk 23 Times

Texting while driving found to be deadliest distraction

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2009 1:49 AM CDT
Email

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Kookey90
Jul 28, 2009 10:58 AM CDT
Man, I've never had sex in the back seat while driving a car; that must be some trick.
Ucantusethatname
Jul 28, 2009 10:37 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.
BlahBlahBlah
Jul 28, 2009 7:21 AM CDT
Leave your phone alone and drive. When it rings you can either leave it or pull over. No phone call is worth your life. Or anyone elses life for that matter.

 
cell phones • text message • texting • road safety • drivers • driver distraction

More Newser Stories

NTSB Bid to Ban All Phone Use in Cars Is 'Overkill'

Verizon 'Emergency' Text Spooks New Jersey

Texting While Driving Surges

How Your Discarded Phone Can Improve Global Health

Skype Buys GroupMe for $50M+
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne