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Posted On: July 27, 2009 by Kenneth L. Christensen

Text Messaging and Driving Makes the Driver 23 Times More Likely to Cause an Accident

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has concluded a comprehensive study of the dangers of text messaging while driving. The study placed video cameras in several commercial trucks over an 18 month period, and found that the risk of collision is 23 times greater to drivers when they are texting. According to the New York Times, the study also examined the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road when texting. On average, texting drivers spent roughly 5 seconds looking at their phones in the moments leading up to a crash. This is enough time to cover the length of a football field when traveling at highway speeds. While the study examined commercial truck drivers, the researchers said the data can be applied broadly to all drivers. Research on texting and driving is just beginning, as it is a relatively new phenomenon. Yet despite the inherent risks, a recent poll conducted by AAA found 21% of respondents text message while behind the wheel.

This past year, the Utah State Legislature outlawed text-messaging and driving. Although it is now illegal for commuters, many Utahns still text and drive, and police have a difficult time enforcing the new law. Research and studies only affirm what common-sense dictates: texting and driving is extremely dangerous. This blatant distraction can lead to serious Utah injuries, including spinal cord damage and Utah traumatic brain injury. Please be safe when driving and turn off your cell phone. For more information about texting and driving, read the article “Intexticated” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online Utah accident library. If you have been injured in a Utah car accident because of another driver’s negligence, contact the Utah injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Posted by Kenneth L. Christensen | | Email This Post

Posted In: Cell Phone Use

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