Study Illustrates Dangers of Distracted Driving

A recent study finds that texting while driving and other distractions can be even more dangerous than previously believed, increasing the likelihood of both injuries and higher auto insurance rates.

The latest information on distracted driving comes from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which reports that texting behind the wheel can make a person up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

The institute released other figures for similar distracted driving activities. For example, talking on a cell phone is said to present 1.3 times more of a crash risk, while dialing a cell phone is 5.9 times more dangerous than normal driving.

Another unsafe driving activity was said to be reaching for an electronic device, which was 6.7 times more dangerous than non-distracted driving.

Some high-profile accidents this year have focused attention on the issue of texting while driving, and other types of distracted driving. Drivers who are careless behind the wheel can end up putting themselves and others in danger while also facing significantly higher auto insurance costs if they are involved in a crash.