As the use of text messages, or texting, grows in popularity, the number of text messages sent and the number of motor vehicle crashes related to texting is also growing. Statistics from the wireless association CTIA show that in a ten-year span, the rate of texting has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2012, there were 6.1 billion texts sent per day as compared to 31 million per day in 2002.
Texting and driving isn’t safe, even if you’re doing it hands-free. A recent study conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute indicates that using a mobile device app can be just as dangerous as manually texting while driving.
A comparison was done in three 10-minute driving segments. The participants used no texting, a hands-free voice app and traditional hands-on texting. Those sending text messages of any type spent less time looking at the road and had a slower reaction time than drivers who were not attempting to text.
The study involved 43 drivers from 16 years old to 60 years old. Each drove the same make and model vehicle, a 2009 Ford Explorer, at approximately 30 miles per hour. During the study, they were asked to abstain from texting, then use the hands-free and hands-on methods to read a text, send a text, and receive three and send one. The reaction times did not improve while using the voice app. Those participating said they felt safer using the voice app than the hands-on method.
The most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that there were 3,331 people killed and another 387,000 people injured in distracted-driver-related vehicle crashes in 2011.
For more information on how a defensive driving class in Texas can help you be prepared for distracted drivers, contact Texas Drive Safe today at 1-800-558-9887.
