Okay. The results of this study shouldn’t be a surprise. What is surprising is how many people text while driving:
The first study of drivers texting inside their vehicles shows that the risk sharply exceeds previous estimates based on laboratory research — and far surpasses the dangers of other driving distractions.
The new study, which entailed outfitting the cabs of long-haul trucks with video cameras over 18 months, found that when the drivers texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which compiled the research and plans to release its findings on Tuesday, also measured the time drivers took their eyes from the road to send or receive texts.
In the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spent nearly five seconds looking at their devices — enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more than the length of a football field.
I’ve had my car for 10 years now and the odometer just hit 32,000 miles. I just don’t drive much. I am, however, always walking around D.C., mostly with my dog. I live right off Connecticut Avenue, which is a pretty major thoroughfare for this city. It’s amazing to me how many people are fiddling with their blackberries or iphones while driving. Lots of people are talking on the phone, which is illegal. But, more and more, I see people looking down at their handheld devices — while driving. This being D.C, people here are very, very important and must always be checking emails and texts. That’s more important than paying attention to the road.
