[vba616]

What does texting and driving actually mean?

I simply can't read messages and type with my fingers if I wanted to, while moving. Do people really do that without immediately crashing?

Or is using Google Maps with Android Auto and tapping to view incoming texts what should be a felony?

If looking away from the road is the problem, then we should prohibit any controls in the center console for climate control or radios, and...passengers?

[dghlsakjg]

There are plenty of people that absolutely do exactly that.

When I was younger and dumber I used to do literally that. Get a text message, read it, and respond to it, while driving. With a stick shift, too. I can't believe I never hurt anyone doing this.

In BC, Canada, where I now live, this is prosecuted rather aggressively as 'distracted driving'. First ticket is in the neighborhood of $400 + required increase in premiums, and the threshold is touching your phone or having it within reach and not in a cradle. A second offense within a year can lead to a suspended license. It certainly shows. When I go down to the states, it is noticeable how many people I can see interacting with their phones compared to BC.

[Noumenon72]

I can easily believe you never hurt anyone doing this, as conditions that lead to an accident are rare and often predictable. For example, you probably never answered a text while going through a roundabout, but restricted it to straight sections of road with a clear view ahead and no nearby cars. This increased you risk, but from an extremely small base.

[lisasays]

Do people really do that without immediately crashing?

Whilst a passenger (and not a driver), look inside nearby cars sometime. The prevalence of people doing exactly this is shocking.

[climb_stealth]

There are people driving on the road that are periodically looking down at their phone to text. For x seconds at a time. It boggles my mind whenever I see it. Kind of makes me want to chuck something at them.

I'm sure everyone has been in a situation where they are not paying attention. But I think the danger with texting is that it happens more often. It is unlikely to be just one message. Which makes it more likely to result in an accident.