Study: Texting slows driver's response

AUSTIN (AP) - New findings from a Texas study show texting while driving is more dangerous than previously thought.

Researchers said reading or writing a text message behind the wheel can more than double a driver's reaction time.

The study, released Wednesday, was conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute.

Findings showed reaction times slowed from one-to-two seconds with no texting activity, to three-to-four seconds while texting. It found very little difference in response times between a driver composing a message and reading one.

Researchers studied 42 drivers between the ages of 16 and 54 on a test-track driving course in vehicles equipped with a flashing light and a monitoring system.

The Governors Highway Safety Association said 34 states have adopted texting-and-driving bans.