Study Says Texting While Driving Is More Dangerous Than Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is both socially and legally unacceptable, but recent evidence shows texting while driving may be even more dangerous.

December 03, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A study by Car and Driver Magazine found that people are more dangerous drivers when they are texting than when they are drunk. As the problem of distracted driving gains attention across the nation, the study underscores the true danger it poses of motor vehicle accidents . The need to stop distracted driving is clear.

The Study

For their study, Car and Driver mounted a red light on the windshield of a test car to simulate a lead car's brake lights. They measured the amount of time two drivers -- one 22 years old and the other 37 years old -- took to hit the brakes after the red light was activated.

The drivers performed the test in four circumstances:
- Without texting or drinking to get a baseline response time
- While reading a text message
- While typing a text message
- While legally intoxicated

First, the drivers' reaction times were measured at 35 mph and at 70 mph on an abandoned airstrip. Then, the drivers' response times were measured when they were driving and reading a text message as well as driving and typing a text message at both speeds. Finally, the drivers drank alcohol until they were legally intoxicated with a 0.08 percent blood-alcohol concentration and performed the reaction-time test drunk at 35 and 70 mph.

The Results

The results of the study are surprising and scary. Both drivers were more dangerous when texting while driving than when driving drunk.

On average, the younger driver's reaction time was slightly slower when reading and typing a text message than while driving drunk. The older driver's response times were much worse. When driving drunk, his reaction time was slightly slower, but while reading or typing a text message, it nearly tripled.

These results are frightening. Consider the distance traveled at 70 mph by the older driver before he hit the brakes:
- When legally intoxicated: 17 feet
- When reading a text message: 129 feet
- When typing a text message: 319 feet

At 70 mph, he traveled the length of a football field before reacting to the red light.

Drunk driving is both socially and legally unacceptable, but many Americans do not see distracted driving as equally outrageous. The Car and Driver study demonstrates that texting while driving can be worse than drunk driving. Distracted driving must be stopped to protect everyone's safety on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a distracted or impaired driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to discuss any legal claims you may have.

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