Posted on September 19, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

How hard is it to pull over to the side of the road when you’ve got a text?  About as tricky as balancing a pint on your steering wheel, if you’re to believe the latest British research.

According to studies carried out by Transport Research Laboratory TRL, texting on a mobile phone while driving is just as hazardous, or even more dangerous than being drunk or driving under the influence of drugs and young drivers seem to be the worst offenders.

Research carried out by RAC Foundation reveals that 48 per cent of people aged between 18 and 24 text while driving, in spite of laws stating otherwise.

Tests on drivers aged between 17 and 24 revealed that the likelihood of being involved in an accident if they were typing, writing or reading text messages while driving increased dramatically. Perhaps most worryingly, research found that choosing to ignore incoming messages was just as much of a safety hazard as replying while driving.

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