Texas A&M University, in conjunction with the Southwest Region University Transportation Center and the Texas Transportation Institute, conducted a research study regarding the effects of reading and writing texts while driving. This study was unique because it used participants driving actual vehicles instead of simulators. The results of the study show that reaction time while texting was nearly twice the time as shown in prior studies – and that reading texts is almost as distracting as writing them. Without texting, the drivers had a one to two-second response time. However, while texting, reaction times jumped to three to four seconds. Three seconds at 3 mph is a distance of 61 feet. You can’t afford to be unable to respond for that length of time.
Be safer – don’t text while driving! To read the full study, click here.
