Text Messaging on Cell Phones While Driving Dangerous Idea

Shannon Weidemann

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A recent study by a researcher at the University of Utah at Salt Lake City has found that drivers that engage in text messaging or "texting" on their cell phones are six times more likely to be involved in a car accident. Washington D.C. has banned the use of hand held cell phones while driving but the law does not include text messaging.

John Ulczycki, director of transportation safety for the National Safety Council, said text messaging is among the worst things a driver can do.

"Any time you take your hands, eyes or brain off the wheel it's not good," he said. "With text messaging, you take all three off the wheel."

A study by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. found that for drivers between the ages of 18 and 60, 20 percent admitted to using text messaging while driving. The number of people that are using the texting feature on their cell phones increases every year.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.