Texting behind the wheel is more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, researchers say.
Recent studies performed by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) revealed that reaction time slowed by 35% and steering control worsened by 91% for those who were distracted by texts while driving. In comparison, reaction time deteriorated by 21% for those under the influence of cannabis and by 12% at the legal alcohol limit, while steering control diminished by 35% when cannabis was involved. The tests also showed that texters were less able to maintain safe distances from other cars and they tended to drift out of their lane more often.
Over 90% of teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving, such as talking on the cell phone, eating, playing loud music, channel surfing, using mp3 players, and interacting with friends in the car even when they admit they find it distracting. An overwhelming 75% of American teens admit to text messaging while driving.
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