Texting worst driving distraction

By Brian Bosche

Leading transportation experts convened in Washington, D.C. for a two-day summit on distracted driving hosted by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Although the event will focus on the many facets of distracted driving, the dangers of text-messaging will dominate the discussion.

According to a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) study, those who text-message while driving are 23 times more at risk of being involved in a crash. The risk of simple cell phone dialing is significantly less at only 2.8.

"Any type of distraction carries with it a risk, but we've found, by far, texting to be one of the most dangerous secondary tasks one can engage in while driving," said VTTI director, Dr. Tom Dingus.

The study combined results from more than 6 million miles of real-life driving -- where participants' cars were outfitted with cameras and other monitoring equipment.

Texting while driving is an issue closely related to students, as many either do it themselves or know others who do.

"About a year and a half ago, I had a friend who was texting while driving -- and she hit a pole and completely flipped and totaled her car in the process," said Ty Hodges, a freshman at Virginia Tech.

Has Hodges' friend learned anything? Even after her crash, Hodges said, "She still texts while driving."

That is only one example of a text-related crash. Others have resulted in death -- like the commuter train crash in California that killed 25 people.

One panel discussion at the summit will feature Reggie Shaw, 22, and Nicole Meredith, 18. Both of them caused crashes because they were texting behind the wheel.

Shaw's crash resulted in the deaths of two men. He spent 30 days in prison.

The discussion will be moderated by Seventeen Editor-in-chief Ann Shoket.

Overall, Secretary LaHood said he would ban drivers from texting if it were up to him. However, LaHood said he recognizes the need for a coordinated strategy that includes both education and enforcement -- hence the two-day summit.

The VTTI study ultimately concludes that the key to improving driver safety is "keeping your eyes on the road."

Dr. Dingus hopes to bring the results of the research to the summit and apply it to "save lives."

From U-wire reports.