Texting and driving is becoming a nationwide epidemic. A 2006 study from Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) reports that texting is the number one distraction for teen drivers. OK, no big surprise, right? But how about this, if you text while driving, you might as well drive with your eyes closed.
Example:
Let’s say you are driving 70mph.
At this speed you are traveling approximately 105 feet per second.
This is easy to calculate even if you’re not smarter than a 5th grader, you take half of your total speed and add that number to your total speed; thus, your “feet per second” formula.
70mph ÷ ½ = 35 + 70 = 105
If it takes you 3 seconds to type your “LOL’s” or “OMG’s”, at 70mph in 3 seconds you have traveled 315 feet, that’s over the length of one football field, practically with your eyes closed!
I know some teens would say; “But I can totally text without even looking at the keys on my super, way cool Blackberry.” Sure, but the thought process of what you are texting can create a tunnel vision effect while you are driving, similar to a cell phone conversation.
The point is texting while driving is a dangerous combination. DON’T DO IT!!! If you must text, get off the road, pull over to a parking lot and text your BFF (Best Friend Forever) all you want.
Take care-
Danny Keaton