Buzzword: Textraction

Consumer Reports News: August 04, 2009 08:36 AM

With the recent buzz on the safety issues related to cell phone usage and texting while driving, in particular, here is a term that could be used to describe it: textraction. In a word, textraction conveys the dangerous distraction of texting. With more people using their cell phones to communicate via text, the stories of car, train, and even pedestrian accidents continue to accrue. And there is a growing stack of detailed studies that provide texting and transportation just don't mix.

The National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 25 percent of crashes involve some type of distraction. However, texting has been noted as the most dangerous form. A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that texting is 23 times riskier than other cell phone related tasks. An older study by NHTSA found that there are substantial risks in using a hands-free or handheld cell phone while driving.

In the end, there is mounting data on the dangers of cell phone use and textraction in cars. Our advice continues to be hang up and drive.

—Liza Barth

For more information on distracted driving see our related reports:
Using wireless communication devices while driving
Cell phone use and driving laws
Dangers of cell phones while driving
Should cell phone use by drivers be illegal?
Texting while driving
Talking in the slow lane