For drivers that send off text messages while driving their chances of gettin in an accident are six times greater. A new study proved that texting or talking on the mobile while driving is unsafe. The study was done using a driving simulator, but how it corresponds to results on the road are unclear. But the fact is these activities can leave you with a cruched car.
With texting, drivers in the simulation decreased their following distance and had delayed reaction times, which means it took a longer time for them to hit the brakes. Driver’s median reaction time decreased by 30 percent when they texted and nine percent when they were talking on the phone in contrast to when they just drove. They had less power over their vehicle and were more likely to crash.
Are you worried about others health and safety? Get your B.S. in Public Safety Administration and help protect the lives of others.
Researchers behind the study published their findings in the journal Human Factors and declared that “drivers apparently attempt to divide attention between a phone conversation and driving, adjusting the processing priority of the two activities depending on task demands.” Well this doesn’t take a genius to figure out. Anyone could have said that. Distractions are the problem and it’s the same as if you’re trying to eat while driving. If you drop on yourself or the floor, or try to dip french fries or chicken nuggets in the sauce the results are the same. Your concentration isn’t entirely on the road and that can be dangerous for everyone.
Distractions while driving can be fatal. Even driving with other people in the car is less disturbing than talking on the phone. Texting is even worse because it takes your eyes off the road as you try to send and receive messages. It switches your attention from the road to the phone and that split second of change can be deadly. When drivers create, read, or receive a text their reaction times are much slower than even when they’re talking on the phone. And simulations found that reading messages affected braking more than composing messages did.
The fact is that texting may be important to teenagers and young professionals but it is dangerous. It has been outlawed in many states because of all the crashes that have taken place. Some may be insignificant and others serious. But just put the phone away when you’re driving because if an accident occurs you or someone else could be killed because of your inattention and carelessness. Nothing, especially a text message is worth hurting someone.
Laws can prohibit the use of using cell phones while driving but ultimately you have to decide whether you’re going to follow the law or not. Just like they say don’t “drink and drive” also remember not to “drive while texting” because it can be just as dangerous. Both tickets and the claim after an accident can be costly. So wait until arriving at your destination to pull out the cell phone.
Diane Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about current events, politics, online classes, adult education, and the office.
RSS FEED
