Study shows texting while driving similar to driving drunk

April 03, 2013

Study shows texting while driving similar to driving drunk

Article provided by Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer
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While most Americans understand the risks associated with drinking and driving, the dangers of distracted driving are still being revealed. According to a recent study published in Traffic Injury Prevention, the two types of hazardous behavior may be surprisingly similar.

The study revealed that drivers who are distracted by cellphones -- particularly those who text while driving -- are just as dangerous on the road as people who are under the influence of alcohol. The researchers asked 12 motorists to use a driving simulator, while talking or texting on a cellphone or after consuming alcohol.

The results showed that drivers who texted while behind the wheel operated the simulated vehicle as if they had a blood alcohol content twice the legal limit.

In addition, the researchers had the motorists drive the simulated vehicle while talking on a cellphone equipped with hands-free technology. When the drivers were engaged in relatively straightforward conversations, their driving capabilities were not significantly affected. The study showed that when the conversation became more complex, the motorists began operating the simulated vehicle as if they were almost above the legal limit.

The researchers concluded that both drivers who text and those who talk on cellphones -- even if they use hands-free technology -- are at risk of causing dangerous motor vehicle accidents.

Avoid serious distracted driving accidents in Missouri

As the dangers of distracted driving have become clearer, many states have enacted legislation prohibiting certain kinds of cellphone usage when behind the wheel. Missourihas been a bit slower to act than other states.

In Missouri, novice drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Although many states have a number of additional distracted driving bans in place, the Missouri distracted driving law targets a demographic that is particularly at risk and one of the most hazardous behaviors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers are the demographic most at risk of being involved in a distracted driving collision. Of all drivers under 20 years of age who were involved in a deadly motor vehicle collision, 11 percent were distracted when the crash occurred.

In addition, as revealed by the study published in Traffic Injury Prevention, texting while behind the wheel is similar to a driver operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content twice the legal limit. According to a study conducted by Virginia Tech, drivers who send text messages while on the road are 23 times more likely to cause a distracted driving accident than non-distracted drivers.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.