Texting While Driving Is As Dangerous As Drunk Driving
Those who are concerned about the safety of drivers need to understand that both texting and drinking while driving are dangerous activities. A recent study conducted by Car and Driver Magazine found that texting while driving is much more dangerous than drinking while driving. The magazine used driving simulators to test the reaction times of sober drivers, drivers who were legally impaired, and drivers who were legally impaired and texting. It found that texting while driving significantly reduces the ability of drivers to react to changes in the road. This can result in serious consequences in real-life driving situations.
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Drivers who were texting while driving had a reaction time that was 23 percent slower than drivers who were legally impaired and had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. Texting while driving also caused drivers to have slower braking times. They took 0.54 seconds to brake when they were sober, while drivers who were drunk took 1.15 seconds to brake. This was enough time for drivers to hit the brakes with 23 percent more force.
Drinking and driving are illegal in all 50 states. If you drive under the influence of alcohol, you could face a DUI or even prison. If you are injured in a car accident caused by drunk driving, you could face severe damage to your brain. The consequences can include paralysis and disfigurement. It can also result in large fines, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Drunk drivers follow other cars more closely than other drivers. They hit the brakes with 23 percent more force and are more aggressive. They also hit the brakes four seconds before a collision. The difference in their reaction time was significant, but the results were not conclusive.
In addition, drivers who were texting while driving took 4.6 seconds off the road. This was enough time for them to have to stop for a red light, read an email, or send a text message. Texting while driving is as dangerous as driving while drunk because it takes drivers’ eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. Texting while driving also causes drivers to drift their lanes. That is dangerous because if a driver drifts into another lane, they could lose control of the vehicle. Those who text while driving also loses their ability to react quickly, which means more accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 481,000 drivers are using their cell phones while driving during daylight hours. This is an increase from a few years ago when only about one-third of drivers were using their phones while driving. This increased use has also been linked to an increase in car crashes. It is estimated that texting while driving causes 1.5 million car crashes each year.
Drivers who are texting while driving are six times more likely to have an accident than those who are drunk driving. It is also six times more likely to have a crash that kills someone.