For drivers that send out text messages while driving their chances of crashing are six times greater. A new study showed that texting or talking on the mobile while driving is unsafe. The study was done using a driving simulator, but how it relates to results on the road are unknown. But the fact is these activities can leave you with a cruched car.

With texting, drivers in the simulation decreased their following distance and had delayed reaction times, which means it took a longer time for them to hit the brakes. Driver’s average reaction time fell by 30 percent when they texted and nine percent when they were talking on the phone in contrast to when they just drove. They had less control over their vehicle and were more likely to get in a collision.

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Researchers behind the study published their results in the journal Human Factors and declared that “drivers apparently attempt to divide attention between a phone conversation and driving, adjusting the processing priority of the two activities depending on task demands.” Well this doesn’t take a genius to understand. Anyone could have said that. It’s the same as if you’re trying to eat while driving. If you spill on yourself or the floor, or try to dip french fries or chicken nuggets in the sauce the results are the same. Your concentration isn’t entirely on the road and that can be dangerous for yourself and others.

Distractions while driving can be deadly. Even driving with other people in the car is less distracting than talking on the phone. Texting is even worse because it takes your eyes off the road as you try to send and receive messages. It moves your attention from the road to the phone and that split second of change can be deadly. When drivers write, read, or get a text their reaction times are much slower than even when they’re chatting on the phone. And simulations found that reading messages affected braking more than composing messages did.

The fact is that texting may be important to teenagers and young adults but it is dangerous. It has been outlawed in many states because of all the crashes that have occurred. Some may be minor and others serious. But just put the phone away when you’re driving because if an accident occurs you or someone else could be killed because of your recklessness and negligence. Nothing, particularly a text message is worth hurting someone.

Laws can ban the use of using cell phones while driving but at the end of the day you have to decide whether you’re going to comply with the law or not. Just like they say don’t “drink and drive” also remember not to “drive while texting” because it can be just as dangerous. Both tickets and the claim after an accident can be expensive. So wait until arriving at your destination to pull out the Blackberry.

Diane Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about current events, politics, online college degrees, adult education, and the office.