Text messaging has become the most dangerous distraction for drivers behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Yet survey after survey reveal a greater number of drivers have chosen to risk lives to send or read a text while driving.

A growing body of research confirms that taking your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mind off the driving task radically increases your chances of causing a crash. The average time spent looking away from the road while writing and sending a text is 4.6 seconds. This amount of time with eyes off the road clearly distinguishes texting as the most dangerous distraction.

There is remarkable public consensus on the need for a law against texting while driving. In fact, 93 percent of Ohio AAA members support a ban. House Bill 99 bans all drivers in the state from text messaging while driving. AAA is calling on the Ohio Senate to help remove this menacing activity from Ohio’s roadways by passing this important legislation. You can help by writing your state senator and by setting an example in everyday driving by refraining from text messaging and other distractions. It’s just not worth the risk.

Brian Newbacher

Director of Public Affairs

AAA East Central