Texting while Driving Even More Dangerous than Driving while Drunk or High on Marijuana

Research in Great Britain has found that texting behind the wheel is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated or under the influence of marijuana (cannibis).

The study used a driving simulator with young drivers aged 17 to 24. Writing or reading text messages reduced reaction time by 35%. In comparison reaction time dropped 21% for those under the influence of marijuana and 12% for those who were legally intoxicated by alcohol.

The ability of to keep a vehicle in a lane dropped by 91% for those texting, compared to 35% if they had been smoking marijuana.

The study was commissioned by the Royal Automobile Club Foundation and conducted by the Transportation Research Laboratory.

Much research has already shown that using a cell phone, even a hands-free model, is more dangerous than driving while legally intoxicated.

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According to Justice Antonin Scalia in his book Making Your Case, Judges can be persuaded only when three conditions are met:

      (1) They must have a clear idea of what you're asking the court to do.

      (2) They must be assured that it's within the court's power to do it.

      (3) After hearing the reasons for doing what you are asking, and the reasons for doing other things or doing nothing at all, they must conclude that what you're asking is best -- both in your case and in cases that will follow.

Although I disagree with his philosophy and much of his approach to the Constitution, I have to give Justice Scalia (and his writing partner Bryan Garner) kudos for writing a cogent and relevant book on arguing before a court.  It is a must read for anyone who makes a living before judges.