Website design By BotEap.comInstagram photos, Snapchat, email and text messages, all these actions are completed with the help of a smartphone. And according to the Pew Research Center, 56 percent of American adults own a smartphone. This means that these people are also of driving age. Given this high percentage of smartphone ownership coupled with the high car ownership rates of Americans, there’s a good chance that many of these people have engaged in texting while driving at some point.

Website design By BotEap.comGiven the pervasive influence technology now has on most people’s lives, it now seems that it has become a relevant topic when debating the severity of texting and driving vs. drink and drive. This debate is a daily concern because both activities have had a huge impact on the number of auto accidents, ranging from minor crashes to serious auto accidents with fatalities. While drinking and driving have been banned in all 50 US states, there hasn’t been a texting and driving law that extends to all states.

Website design By BotEap.comTexting or drinking alcohol: which is more dangerous while driving?

Website design By BotEap.comThe imbalance in the way national laws treat these two behaviors has sparked an ongoing debate as to which is worse. While both are extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged when operating a vehicle, it can actually be determined through studies and statistics that texting and driving can be more dangerous for the individual driver, their passengers, and other drivers on the road.

Website design By BotEap.comTexting and driving has become a deadly activity forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road and focus on another highly distracting activity. This type of distracted driving has led to nearly 6,000 deaths and more than half a million injuries reported in 2008 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Website design By BotEap.comA study by the London Transport Research Laboratory also examined the dangers of texting and driving compared to transport. drink and drive. By evaluating response times, the researchers found that those who texted while driving had 35 percent worse response times than those who drove without distractions. As for those who were under the influence of alcohol, their response times were 12 percent worse than those of sober drivers. This study confirmed the belief that the risks associated with texting and driving may actually be even worse than drinking and driving.

Website design By BotEap.comIn the end, just because one is worse than the other doesn’t mean neither should be tolerated. When driving, it is important to stay alert and practice safe driving techniques. Avoiding mixing drinking with driving and putting away your cell phone when behind the wheel are great ways to keep yourself, your passengers, and fellow drivers at less risk of harm. Drinking and texting are voluntary behaviors and it is up to you to make sound decisions when operating a vehicle. If you become a participant in this type of distracted driving, know that personal injury lawyers are always available to help you with your case.