One of the ways in which communication has changed forever is the advent of text messaging. While it has made rattling off a quick message to your friends easier than ever, it has also created a new set of challenges, and placed more demands on our already divided attention. One of the biggest problems with texting is how distracting and dangerous it is when people start texting while driving.

Dire Results of Driving Simulators

New studies show that drivers seriously overestimate their ability to multitask behind the wheel. Several companies, including AT&T, Toyota and the New York Times, have produced game simulators that are designed to measure how your reaction time is affected by external distractions, namely text messaging. All of the simulators have led experts to agree that no one should attempt to text when driving.

Texting and Driving Leads to More Auto Accidents

Statistics have shown that text messaging makes drivers 23 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident. In 2011, it was estimated that 23% of collisions in that year involved cellphones. As a result, several states have implemented laws that ban or restrict cellphone use while behind the wheel. While Arizona hasn’t officially added laws to the books yet, several cities, including Tempe, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Yuma have cellphone bans or restrictions in effect, and statewide laws seem inevitable.

Try it For Yourself (Safely)

While it’s easy to make excuses, getting in a wreck for a silly reason simply isn’t worth it. To try your hand at some of the simulators, and to truly understand how distracting text messaging can be, check out the following links:

http://dropitanddrive.com/driving-simulators/
http://www.itcanwaitsimulator.org/
http://www.dontduit.org/textdrivingsimulator.html
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/19/technology/20090719-driving-game.html?_r=0