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How does texting and driving affect your reaction time?
Texting and driving isn’t illegal in my state, but I’m trying to break myself of the habit. As part of my promise to myself to stop texting and driving, I want to learn more about how it affects my driving. How does texting affect my reaction time behind the wheel?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
According to a study from Texas A&M University, your reaction time doubles as a result of texting and driving. This means that if you’re
driving distracted
, it will take you three to four seconds to react compared to one to two seconds if you aren’t texting and driving.In addition, drivers who text and drive are far less likely to:
- Maintain a safe distance between their car and other motorists
- Stay in their lane whether driving straight or going around a curve
- Maintain a constant speed
Moreover, cell phone usage leads to 1.6 million accidents a year, of which 30,000 are fatal. That’s enough reason to put the phone down when you’re behind the wheel.
Hopefully, you never have to file a claim as a result of texting and driving. But if you do, your car insurance rates are likely to increase dramatically. That’s when the
Jerry
app can help.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that provides quotes from dozens of top-rated and well-known car insurance companies. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy insurance and cancel your old policy. Customers save an average of nearly $900 per year!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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