We’ve posted recently about the Washington hands-free law that requires drivers to use devices with their cell phones and PDA’s that keep both hands free while driving, and today comes word of a new study that deals directly with the growing problem of sending text messages while operating a vehicle. It should come as no surprise that the study concluded that the practice is dangerous, but it was surprising to find out just how dangerous texting while driving can be.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer published the findings of the study, and they include:

“The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute used cameras to continuously observe light vehicle drivers and truckers for more than 6 million miles. It found that when drivers of heavy trucks texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting.

Dialing a cell phone and using or reaching for an electronic device increased risk of collision about 6 times in cars and trucks.

Recent research using driving simulators suggested that talking and listening were as dangerous as texting, but the “naturalistic driving studies clearly indicate that this is not the case,” a news release from the institute said. The risks of texting generally applied to all drivers, not just truckers, the researchers said. Complete results were expected to be released Tuesday.

Right before a crash or near collision, drivers spent nearly five seconds looking at their devices, which was enough time at 55 mph to cover more than the length of a football field.”

The clear conclusion as to why texting is more dangerous than speaking on the phone is because the driver’s eyes are drawn away from the road while punching text keys. Regardless, texting while driving is illegal in Washington, and if you or someone you love has been injured as a result of this sort of negligence, you need to contact the auto accident lawyers at Phillips & Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.