By what percentage does texting while driving reduce reaction time compared to DUI?

Texting while driving significantly impairs a driver's reaction time, often leading to serious safety hazards on the road. Studies have shown that when individuals engage in texting, their reaction time can be reduced by approximately 35% compared to when a driver is under the influence of alcohol, which is categorized as driving under the influence (DUI). This reduction in reaction time means that drivers who text while operating a vehicle are much slower to respond to necessary driving actions, such as braking or steering, putting themselves and others at increased risk of collisions.

Understanding this statistic underscores the critical dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of cell phones while behind the wheel. Being aware of the extent to which texting impacts reaction times helps to reinforce the importance of keeping distractions to a minimum while driving for overall road safety.