Distracted driving explained | cbs19.tv [Video]

If you’re texting while driving 55 mph, you’ll go over 400 feet essentially blindfolded.

HOUSTON — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Traffic expert Jennifer Reyna is breaking down the different types of distractions, and how we can prevent them and save lives.

The science behind distracted driving

Sending a text while driving seems simple and quick, but the reality can be devastating.

If your fingers are fast and your text is short, the whole process will take about five seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you are driving 55 miles per hour, you would end up going over 400 feet— that’s longer than a football field – basically with your eyes closed.

Pretty scary right? Well, that doesn’t even take into account how long it takes to brake if a road hazard pops up while you are sending that text.

Experienced drivers know that your reaction time is not instantaneous. …