Text driving 'worse than drink'

Description

Texting while driving impairs motorists more than being under the influence of drink or drugs, research suggests.The RAC Foundation found average reaction times slowed by 35% when 17 to 24-year-olds drove in a simulator while writing or reading texts.Nearly 50% of drivers aged between 18 and 24 texted while driving, it said.

[As for UK laws on this -]

Drivers face a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for using hand-held mobile phones. In 2006, 164,900 people were issued with fixed penalty notices.

Motorists who kill after allowing themselves to lose concentration by avoidable distractions - such as reading a text message, glancing at a map, eating and putting on make up - can be imprisoned for up to five years.

Original URL

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7621644.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7621644.stm