Texting behind the wheel impairs driving skills more than being drunk or high, according to new research carried out by TRL for the Royal Automobile Club Foundation.

The RAC Foundation is calling for urgent investment in a high-profile education campaign to show that texting and driving puts themselves, their friends, and other road users at unacceptable risk. 

Carrying out the first UK research into the effects of texting while driving, the RAC Foundation and TRL used TRL's driving simulator to research the effects of writing, reading and ignoring text messages on the driving skills of a test group of 17 - 24 year old motorists. In all key measures of driving performance, young people who were texting and driving were badly affected.Reaction times deteriorated by over one-third (35%). This was worse than alcohol at the legal limit (12% slower) and driving under the influence of cannabis (21% slower).

Drivers drifted out of their lane more often.  Steering control was 91% worse, compared to 35% worse when under the influence of cannabis.

The ability to maintain a safe following distance fell.

Despite the danger, 48% of UK drivers aged 18 - 24 admit to using short message services (SMS) whilst driving - a group already at much higher risk of being involved in a crash. Still taking an age to send even the shortest of text message requires every ounce of concentration for me. How anyone can do this whilst driving must have a death wish.

So do not do it.

Jackie Violet - Female First