Texting More Dangerous than Driving Under the Influence

A study conducted by ‘Car and Driver’ shows that texting while driving is significantly more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol drugs. Drivers texting messages are 3-4 times slower than drunk drivers to apply brakes to avoid a collision.


Previous studies conducted in vehicle simulators have shown that texting impairs a driver’s skills. Car and Driver decided to conduct a study in actual vehicles and directly compare reaction times of those texting with those under the influence of alcohol. Using an airfield taxiway, drivers were required to react to a light mounted at eye-level on the windshield, simulating brake lights of an advance vehicle. Vehicle speed, brake pedal position and steering angle were all monitored, and baselines for the test were established. Data was collected as drivers responded to the dash light five times, with the slowest reaction time being dropped. First the drivers performed the test while texting. They then consumed alcohol until their blood alcohol content registered .08%, the legal limit for intoxication in most states, and repeated the test without cell phones.

In one set of results, a driver’s response time while texting nearly tripled his baseline response. The extra reaction time while impaired was only .04 second more than his baseline. At 70 miles per hour, the subject’s vehicle traveled an additional 319 feet while texting, and 17 extra feet while impaired by alcohol.

A prominent national insurance provider estimates that 20% of drivers regularly send text messages or emails while driving.

For information on your DUI, please contact our Snohomish, King, Island or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com/