I just read an interesting article in the new york times about the increased danger of texting while driving. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute compiled the research over an 18 month period. Their tests involved installing video cameras in truck cabs recording the drivers actions including the time drivers took their eyes from the road to send or receive texts.

This report seems to be getting picked up by local newscasts. I guess I can see the attraction for the news, we can all relate to this. But I question the risk rates as they seem to have defined them. If the test was simply looking at the amount of time it appeared the drivers eyes were not looking at the road then it’s missing other key data points such as traffic conditions.

No I’m not advocating people should text when they are driving. I’m simply pointing out the way the numbers are being manipulated. At any rate, it’s an interesting story. You can read it in full here-