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Conducted by researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, 21 teenagers between 16 to 18 with at least 6 months of driving experience were enlisted to attend a test of using a driver simulator while texting or searching their MP3 playlists. The results show that they were highly distracted by these activities and made mistakes such as weaving in and out of lanes, slowing down dramatically and running over pedestrians, which are obviously risky behaviors to both the drivers and the people around.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents for teenagers between 16 and 20 accounted for more than 5,000 deaths per year, which has become the leading cause of death for the age group.

Not only among teenagers, drivers of other age groups also seem to be unable to resist a moment of texting while on the road. Another survey conducted by Vlingo, a mobile voice application company, found that 26% of the 4,800 people surveyed admits to texting at the wheel and it occurs in all age groups. Almost 60% of those ages 16 to 19 admit to the practice, compared to 49% of those in the group between 20 to 29. The percentages get lower for older respondents, but usage remains high with 13% of those in their 50s admitting to doing so.

To cope with the rising issue, legislators nationwide have been debating how and whether to regulate texting-while-driving for years. Currently, Washington, D.C. and 14 states in the U.S. have outlawed the dangerous activity. In 17 states including the capital city, young or inexperienced drivers are banned from using cell phones, even using a hands-free kit, with emergency calls exempted. Other states are considering similar legislation as well. However, in spite of the laws and the ream of statistics showing texting-while-driving could be lethal, the number of people texting during driving does not seem to decrease any.

So what else could we do if some people insist on texting at the wheel? One alternative for them is to use the hands-free voice transcription services available on the market, which allow drivers to send and receive e-mail or text messages via voice mail on a hands-free kit. This could at least keep them from looking down in addition to moving their fingers.

Needless to say, the best way to reduce road accidents is to drive safely, and avoid any other activities that may endanger, not only yourself, but also the people around you.