Why texting while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving @KenyanTraffic #fb

Texting and driving has been compared to drinking and driving due to the level of distraction it can cause. In fact, a study has found that people who were texting and driving had slower reaction times than those with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 (the legal limit). Another research study found that talking or text messaging on your cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Yet another study has shown that an estimated nine people a day die as a result of distracted driving.

These driving statistics and studies show the profound danger that these type of distracted driving behaviours can cause to the driver, their passengers, and other vehicles on the road. Even glancing down at your phone for a split second can result in a dangerous or even deadly car accident. The best way to prevent distracted driving and the damage it can cause is to not use electronic devices in any capacity while behind the wheel.

How Texting While Driving Can Lead To An Auto Accident

Texting and driving is dangerous and can result in motor vehicle crashes in several ways. Looking at your phone to text message for five seconds while driving 90 kmph keeps your eyes off the road for nearly the length of an entire football field. That’s a lot of road to cover with your eyes on your phone, leaving you and other vehicles around you susceptible to a traffic accident.

Additionally, texting while driving distracts you in three different ways: visually, manually, and cognitively. The visual distraction occurs when you look at your phone and take your eyes off the road. The manual distraction happens when you use your hand to text rather than keeping it on the wheel of your car. And, the cognitive distraction occurs as you focus your attention on texting rather than on driving and making safe decisions on the road. These three distractions combined are why texting and driving is so dangerous and can easily result in a car crash.