Driving Dangers: Texting Is Equal To Driving Double Drunk

Or, almost.  A new study shows that a trucker's risk of collision rises 23 fold when the driver is texting.  If the DWI Blog is to believed, this is roughly the risk associated with driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 - that is, almost twice the legal limit.  It's the equivalent of a 180 pound person having 7 drinks and hitting the highway.  Right now only 14 states prohibit this activity.  But panic is around the corner!  I can't imagine we'll wait long before the majority of the states ban driving-while-texting. 

Now, finally, perhaps Jott can make some money!

Comments

[Eric Fink]

I must not be as cynical about people as I pretend, because I have a hard time understanding why so many people do something as self-evidently idiotic as texting while driving. I suspect that, if you asked those people whether they would read a newspaper, knit, or play the piano while driving (none of which, as far as I know, are specifically prohibited, but all of which would surely be covered by wreckless driving laws), they would respond with an indignant "Of course not!" The only comfort I can take from this is that it provides a fine empirical refutation of rational choice theory.

[Kevin]

Taking our Texas Defensive Driving online course, you may also be eligible to receive an Auto Insurance reduction through your automotive insurance policy holder.  We will help you save TIME and MONEY.  Check with your Auto Insurance Agent. 

[Resume Writing Service]

I must not be as cynical about people as I pretend, because I have a hard time understanding why so many people do something as self-evidently idiotic as texting while driving. I suspect that, if you asked those people whether they would read a newspaper, knit, or play the piano while driving (none of which, as far as I know, are specifically prohibited, but all of which would surely be covered by wreckless driving laws), they would respond with an indignant "Of course not!" The only comfort I can take from this is that it provides a fine empirical refutation of rational choice theory.