Texting and Driving

Unfortunately, it looks like a lot of teens are not taking texting and driving seriously. According to a new survey taken by State Farm, teens do not believe texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving, despite numerous studies showing the risks associated with texting and driving.

“Despite academic research indicating the consequences of texting while driving can be as severe as drunk driving, some teens still don’t see it that way,” State Farm announced in a press release announcing the results of the survey.

“Of 14- to 17-year-olds who intend to have or already have a driver’s license, the survey found that 35% strongly agree that if they regularly text and drive they will be killed someday. In contrast, the majority of teens, 57% strongly agree that regularly drinking while driving will be fatal.”

Car and Driver Magazine recently tested how long it takes to hit the brake when sober, when legally drunk at .08, when reading and e-mail, and when sending a text. The Results?

• Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
• Legally drunk: add 4 feet
• Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
• Sending a text: add 70 feet

If you have kids who are just starting out on the road or friends who drive and text, please let them know that the risks associated with driving and texting are real.

Video: Texting and Driving