Voice-Activated Texting No Safer than Typing

Distracted driving is dangerous.  There is no question about it.   We can point to countless examples of terrible consequences of distracted driving, and in fact we have discussed that topic on numerous occasions on this site.  And we have cited statistics about the prevalence of distracted drivers on our roadways.

Texting while driving seems to be among the most dangerous of distractions.  Many cell phones have voice-activated texting capabilities and some drivers may believe that this type of texting — i.e., speaking a text message into the phone instead of tapping it on the keypad — is somehow safer.

No so, according to an article in the Washington Post.  The results of a study conducted at Texas A&M University show it does not matter which method of texting a driver uses.  Either way, the driver is distracted.  Reaction time is slower and the driver takes his/her eyes off of the road.

Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau continues to stress to his clients, friends, family, and community the importance of staying focused on the road while driving.

“Texting while driving (specifically tapping out a message) is legally banned in the District of Columbia and 39 states, including right here in Virginia and Maryland,” says Doug. “I applaud Maryland and the District for also banning the use of any hand-held device while driving.  We need a culture shift — the sooner people embrace the idea that using a phone while driving poses a dangerous distraction, the better!”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash resulting from the actions of a distracted driver and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703) 796-9555.