It's no surprise that text messaging with cell phones has become a popular activity. Sending text messages is a quick, easy way to communicate with family and friends. However, when you try to combine text messaging and driving, it's like oil and water-they just don't mix.

Texting while driving is a serious issue. Driving is a complex task, requiring your full attention and leaving no room for distractions. Nearly 80 percent of collisions involve some form of inattention, and your risk of being in a crash increases by 400 percent or more when you use a cell phone. That's because distractions like text messaging can affect every element of safe driving.

When you drive, you're actually performing three functions: observing what's going on around you; making good decisions; and taking the appropriate action. Text messaging can interfere with each step. If your attention is focused on texting, you could easily miss an important change in what's going on around you, such as a car pulling out in front of you or a signal light changing from green to yellow.

Additionally, if you are texting while driving, your attention is divided between the two. And when your attention is divided, your decision making slows down putting you at risk. Lastly, if you're too busy texting, you could fail to react appropriately, increasing your chances of experiencing a crash.

When it comes to safe driving, it's all about prevention. AAA recommends three easy steps to help to lower your risk of being involved in a crash. First, before you drive, turn your cell phone off. Let voicemail pick up your messages, both voice and text. Then retrieve your messages later, once you've completed your journey.

Second, if you have to call or text, pull off the road safely and stop. Complete your call or texting, and then safely return to the road. Finally, be a role model! Because of your interest in and expertise with automobiles, your friends and family look to you as a credible source. Demonstrate safe driving behaviors and let them see you in action modeling safe practices. Remember, when you turn the key, turn the cell phone off!

by: William E. Van Tassel, Ph.D., AAA Traffic Safety Programs