Drinking & driving vs. Talking & driving

Talking on the cell phone while driving. I recently read an article that spoke about how people talking on the cell phone while driving are similar to drinking and driving in terms of their reaction time.

While this study might encourage some to hang up and drive, I am afraid it might encourage some to drink and drive. Why? By equating drinking to talking on the cell phone while driving, the study potentially under plays the risk of drinking and driving. Many people use their cell while driving. They think they are aware of how much attention they can provide to the road, other road users, etc while chatting on the cell. And probably they were never involved in an accident while using their cell. Out of luck or for whatever reason. Now, by equating this habit to drunken driving:

Instead of thinking: Talking and driving is as bad as drunken driving.

People might conclude: Drunken driving is ONLY as bad as talking and driving. That’s not too bad. I do that all the time. So I can also drink and drive.

Having said that, don't drink and drive. Try avoiding talking and driving at the same time. Certain don't drink and drive at the same time.

Ref: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-6089908.html