Texting
How much time does texting take away the average driver's attention from the road?
a. Not at all - the driver's eyes are always at least partially paying attention to what is happening.
b. 1.3 seconds: Just enough time to text 'LOL'.
c. 2.8 seconds: Just enough time to text 'OMG, G2G'.
d. 3.2 seconds: Just enough time time to drive across a parking lot at 55 mph.
e. 4.6 seconds: Just enough time to drive across a football field at 55 mph.
Correct Answer: E
4.6 seconds -- According to a report by Jennifer Guevin from CNET and a Virigina Tech Study (pdf), truck drivers texting while driving were 23 times more at risk of a crash or near-crash than during non-distracted driving.
Furthermore, texting can distract a driver for enough time to drive across the length of a football field (360 feet including the end zones) at 55 mph. It my not seem like a lot of time, but a lot can happen when eyes are off the road for that long. It might seem silly--but having a 'designated texter' in the car, or simply waiting until that restroom break could save lives.
Source: SafeTeens.com
