The researchers say that the study findings extend to other driving distractions that involve reading or writing, such as checking e-mail or Facebook. Worse yet, drivers were more than 11 times more likely to miss the flashing light altogether when they were texting. Reaction times while texting, however, were at least three to four seconds. Reaction times with no texting activity were typically between one and two seconds. ![]() Throughout the test-track exercise, each participant’s reaction time to a periodic flashing light was recorded. Drivers first drove the course without texting, then repeated both lab tasks separately while driving through the course again. Each participant then navigated a test-track course involving both an open section and a section lined by construction barrels. First, participants typed a story of their choice (usually a simple fairy tale) and also read and answered questions related to another story, both on their smart phone in a laboratory setting. ![]() to examine texting while driving in an actual driving environment - consisted of three major steps. The study - the first published work in the U.S. The study reveals how the texting impairment is even greater than many experts believed, and demonstrates how texting drivers are less able to react to sudden roadway hazards. Researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute have determined that a driver’s reaction time is doubled when distracted by reading or sending a text message.
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