Smartphones More Dangerous Than Alcohol, When Driving

judgecorp writes "The Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK has carried out live tests which prove that using smartphones impairs driving ability more than drug or alcohol use, making reaction times 37.6 percent slower (PDF). The result is a big concern since a quarter of drivers admit to sending texts from their phones while driving. 'Young people have grown up with smartphones and using them is part of everyday life. But more work needs to be done by the government and social network providers to show young people that they are risking their lives and the lives of others if they use their smartphones while driving.'"

Comments

For you guys, maybe

[SoupGuru]

I can text, check my Facebook, AND drive with no problems. I think I'm one of only about 20 world-wide that can do it.

Re:For you guys, maybe

[Cabriel]

One of 19 people, now. Devon, the one in South Carolina, got into an accident and died last month, so you're down by one, now.

This study is from the UK.

[Anonymous Coward]

All driving is more dangerous in the UK, because they insist on driving on the wrong side of the road.

Re:Obvious

[feepness]

I don't stare at my beer or have a conversation with it.

Clearly you need to start drinking better beer.

Mythbusters already did it

[elrous0]

The Mythbusters showed that years ago. It was actually quite shocking how similar the test results were between someone who was substantially drunk and someone just talking on the phone (got even worse when they were texting).

Re:continuous vs instantaneous distraction?

[trongey]

+1.

You can stop using your phone if you enter a risky environment. You can't stop being drunk.

-1
You can stop, but I never see anybody do it. Just like drunks who don't just pull off the road and sleep it off.

Re:more laws

[ackthpt]

I dont think talking is going to distract me (but i am well above average in every aspect) . And if you cant talk and drive at the same time, then your license should be taken away. that should be part of all the new driving tests. you have to call and talk to a memeber of your family for 10min while navigating the streets of San Francisco.

I don't care how above average you think you are. My car his been hit by people I'd consider very good drivers, but their attention was divided for just the amount of time necessary where opportunity to smash into my car was present. Nothing asserts reality like standing around waiting for the cops, while an angry motorist is glaring at you for your bone-headed driving distractions you bring upon yourself and ultimately inconvenience you and other unwilling participants.

Really. I've heard it time and again, and there isn't a day goes by around here where someone is hit or hitting. Often in the places you'd think it wouldn't happen - sitting in a stationary vehicle at a light when another ploughs into the back of you.

I'd like to see driving bans for the first offense. Try riding the bus for three months as a reminder it is a privilege, not a right to be able to drive a car.