Friday, July 17, 2009

Driving while “Intexticated”

Driving while texting is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. This finding was according to the study conducted by American neuroscientist Marcel Adam Just of Carnegie Mellon University. In fact, Just found out that drunk drivers and “text drivers” tend to commit the same mistakes.

As shown in the brain imaging, phone use reduces 37% of the brain activity while engaged in driving. Moreover, in an experiment, drivers using a simulator while texting found to zigzag out of their lines.

Driving is a skill that requires coordination of the brain and body. Studies show that when the brain is engaged in various tasks at the same time, it could not function efficiently. Hence, when a driver is texting, his ability to drive is diminished. Consequently, he would be prone to accidents.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that it is responsible for about 80% of all car collisions.

As texting is a form of distraction, it should be avoided. Some states realized this danger that they prohibited the use of cell phones while driving.

In California, effective July 1, 2008, drivers age 18 and above could use hands-free devices while driving while drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited to use any type of hand-held or hands-free wireless phone while driving.

To prevent accidents, it is important to pay attention to ones driving habits. This includes refraining from using your phone while driving. Should an accident occur due to a distracted driver, a personal injury case could be filed against such driver. With a help of a car accident lawyer, due compensation could be recovered.