Distracted Driving Even Worse Than You Think, New Research Shows

Drivers are becoming more aware of the dangers of texting while driving, but new research is showing that the distraction lasts even longer than once thought.

Potentially unsafe mental distractions can persist for as long as 27 seconds after dialing, changing music or sending a text using voice commands, according to research just released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The results are raising unexpected concerns surrounding the use of phones and vehicle information systems while driving.

It’s the third phase of the Foundation’s investigation on the subject, and shows that the new hands-free technology can mentally distract drivers even if their eyes are on the road.

“The lasting effects of mental distraction pose a hidden and pervasive danger that would likely come as a surprise to most drivers,” said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in a statement. “The results indicate that motorists could miss stop signs, pedestrians and other vehicles while the mind is readjusting to the task of driving.”

The best performing system was the Chevy Equinox, and the worst was the Mazda 6. Among phone systems, Google Now performed the best and Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana were the worst.

How has California responded to the growing concern over distracted driving?

Though the state’s law banning driving while reading, writing or sending a text message or other text-based communication went into effect in 2009, police departments continue to spot people doing just that while driving every day.

That’s why every year, in April, law enforcement officers from more than 200 agencies statewide take part in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, along with California Teen Safe Driving Week in the first week of that same month.

During that time, officers say they take a particular focus on educating the public about the dangers of driving distracted. They also conduct specialized patrols to try to spot motorists who are texting and driving.

“The urge to read and answer an incoming message is not worth the risk to safety,” police from one participating city said last April. “The Office of Traffic Safety is using a message of ’Silence the Distraction’ in new public service announcements aimed at getting drivers to turn off their phones while driving so they won’t be tempted.”

Do you text and drive? Have you ever? Have you stopped after realizing the dangers? Do you know of anyone who has been involved in an accident as the result of distracted driving? Share in the comments section below.

— Patch Editor CHARLENE ARSENAULT contributed to this report.

(Image via Shutterstock)