Researchers: Texting & Driving Can Be More Dangerous Than Drinking & Driving

Back to HomePage
Updated: 10:52 PM Sep 28, 2008 Researchers: Texting & Driving Can Be More Dangerous Than Drinking & Driving Text messaging just about anywhere is becoming the norm, even from our cars. Now some transportation exports are warning texting is more dangerous than you might think. Posted: 10:28 PM Sep 28, 2008 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com

Font Size:

Everywhere you look, drivers are on the phone talking and texting.

"I have texted while driving," said Brian Ambrose, a Texas A&M junior. "Yeah I've done it before, is that a bad thing?"

"They're weaving in their lane and going off the side of the road and when you pass if you look over you see that they're texting," said Sergeant Janice Kemp of the College Station Police Department.

Its not drunk driving, but it can look the same. According to a study by Britain's Transport Research Laboratory, the effects of texting while driving can be even worse.

Researchers found that reaction time fell 35% when drivers sent or read a text message. That's more than the 12% drop for drivers who drank at the legal limit, and the 21% drop for drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Researchers also say typing drivers are more prone to drift out of their lane, and that their ability to control the steering wheel worsens. They're conclusions that aren't news to some A&M students.

"We actually have a friend who totalled her car because she was on facebook," said Texas A&M sophomore Brittany Crawford. "Whe has an iPhone and she totaled her car while she was on facebook."

While horror stories like that are few and far between, officers warn texting behind the wheel could have serious consequences for anyone, at any time.

"That vehicle is essentially a lethal weapon," said Kemp. "In a split second something could happen."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Aggie Location: B/CS on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:55 PM

To maggie: Since I'm a fulltime employee my job requires that I be in constant communication with the office, even when I'm not working so that they can ask me questions/clarify things. It's so important that my employer actually issues most of my coworkers cell phones... Let's face it, cell phones aren't going away. American's are multitasking and conducting business while commuting more than ever so the best thing we can do is require hands free devices, like I said before, and ticket people texting or even holding the phone like California does. They're not going to ban all cell phone use just like they're not going to ban having rowdy kids in a car, smoking, eating, changing the radio, checking your makeup, or drinking a coke. I believe the second best thing we could do is educate. Just like we all sat in our high school auditoriums and saw slide shows of bloodied bodies on pavement due to drinking and driving, we should be showing the youth accidents caused by texting and driving.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Domaco34 Location: bcs on Oct 3, 2008 at 11:22 AM

To anonymous 9:45.....Likes what? Do tell child!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Why the research? Location: Duh on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:49 AM

we don't need research to know that this is dangerous. common sense will tell you that when driving, you need to keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel. use the research money to help the elderly, and the sick.
[ Report Abuse ]

Click here to post or read all 43 comments.

	Find out Whats On KBTX Tonight
	Check Out This Fall's CW Lineup


Send your Halloween pictures for a chance to win $150 gift certificate from Spirit Halloween! CLICK HERE TO ENTER