Oh man have I been guilty of this one in the past, but I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf.
Several studies have attempted to compare the dangers of texting while driving with driving under the influence. One such study was conducted by Car and Driver magazine in June 2009. The study used two drivers in real cars and messured reaction-times to the onset of a light on the windshield. The study compared the reaction times and distances of the subjects while reading a text message, replying to the text message, and impaired with alcohol. The study showed that at 35 mph, reading a text message decreased the reaction time the most, 0.12 seconds for the first driver and 0.87 seconds for the second. Impaired driving at the same speed resulted in an increase of 0.01 and 0.07 seconds respectively. In terms of stopping distances for a driver going 70 mph, these times were estimated to mean:
Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
Legally drunk: add 4 feet
Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
Sending a text: add 70 feet
I would never get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, and yet, every time I read or send a text message or email while driving, I’m actually a lot more dangerous behind the wheel than if I was legally drunk. This paradox just doesn’t fly with me anymore. I’ve got to stop.
It’s not going to be easy because, in many ways, I’m basically addicted to the act of using my phone while driving. I don’t know if I will have to resort to putting my phone in the glove compartment or what, but I’m determined to beat this.
I am not a man who puts other people’s lives in danger and so I can no longer be a man who texts and emails while he’s driving.
If you happen to ride with me at any point in the future, please feel free to hold my feet to the fire on this one. I know I will probably backslide frequently. All you need to do is mention N.U.T. #2 and I will know what you’re talking about.
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To read more about N.U.T.s from Michael, visit:
N.U.T. #1 / N.U.T. #3
I’m one of those people who thinks about things too much. I am terrified half the time when people call me and say they are driving. What if something happens?! If it’s not enough to think about how distracted you are while you’re on the phone please consider the position you’re putting the other person in. If you get into a wreck while you’re on the phone with them it’s traumatic for more than you and the person in the other car. The person on the line has just become part of your car accident. That’s enough to keep me off the phone while driving.
Remember that voicemail exists for a reason. No phone call or text is as important as your life or the life of the others around you.
MM: Thanks for writing this up. Knowing our contributors are thinking about this helps me begin changing my habits as well. ~ RDK