A survey from the RAC Foundation has revealed just what it is that most distracts motorists when on the move. Sending a text message is the worst offender, the motoring organisation said.

Does that news surprise anyone? Writing a text message is clearly going to be more dangerous than say, eating a Mars bar, or frenetically flashing the Vs at another car as it requires the driver to concentrate his attention on the phone's keypad and screen rather than the road. Although the latter two activities weren't specifically tested by the RAC.

For the study, the RAC, along with the Transport Research Laboratory, coaxed young drivers into drinking, smoking cannabis and texting while behind the wheel. But don't worry, this was the wheel of a driving simulator.

"According to the survey, reaction times for those engaged in texting deteriorated by 35 per cent - worse than alcohol at the legal limit (12 per cent slower) and driving under the influence of cannabis (21 per cent slower). Steering control and the ability to maintain a safe following distance were also worse."
 
Given that the individuals tested  were all between 17 and 24, it's no wonder that they were so excited about texting.

Drink, drugs, free arcade simulators? I'm txtng mi m8s!

Author: David Neal

18 Sep 2008