Don't Text And Drive

WE ALL know how dangerous it is to drive under the influence of alcohol or while talking on the phone. However, in a recent study of the 17 to 24-year-old drivers, 45% have admitted texting whilst driving, which turns out to be even more dangerous than drunk driving.

A research by the VirginiaTech Transportation Institute has found that texting takes a driver’s focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds – enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph and the risk of a crash or a near crash event increases 23 times. Another study from 2007 by Clemson University showed that text messaging and using iPods caused drivers to leave their lanes 10 percent more often.

Tony Green, from Kent Police’s motorcycle team, said: "There are two issues when it comes to texting while driving. The first is lack of control over the vehicle because the drivers use one of the hands for holding the phone instead of the steering wheel or gear stick. The other is lack of concentration whilst driving. Not planning ahead with events happening upper hand, not seeing things such as signs, lights, changing lanes and what other pedestrians on the road are doing."

If you get caught texting while driving the ticket would be £60 and three points on the driver’s license. But this is not the worst that could happen to you. “If they [drivers] are involved in a more serious incident such as an accident where they could injure or kill somebody, because of texting while driving, they could actually go to prison,” added Police Officer Green.

Kent County Council and Kent police have launched a new road safety campaign. Officer Green explained: “We are trying to reduce what we call KSI figures (killed and seriously injured) involved in an accidents. And we do that by enforcement which is giving people tickets. And then also by education, we are going to schools, to air cadets, and youth clubs to teach children and young drivers about road

safety.”

Most of the young drivers I spoke to denied texting while driving. Which leaves the question then who is? And why do they still do it although they are informed about the dangers?

“Because even though it's dangerous to text and drive some people consider themselves good drivers. And that is the reason they think they can multi-task while driving. Text, talk on the phone, put on makeup etc. But driving isn't a multi-tasking activity. It requires your full attention,” said Alex Barbu, 21.

In order to shock young drivers and warn them about the dangers of texting while behind the wheel a short film has been produced. It shows a normal everyday situations turning into a nightmare.

To view the video please visit: http://www.break.com/index/dont-text-and-drive.html .