Is Using a Cell Phone Behind the Wheel More Dangerous Than Drunk Driving? [POLL]

By Jeff Deminski

It's very trendy these days to compare the use of a hand held cell phone while driving to being drunk behind the wheel. A flawed study or two and everyone seems to grab it and run with it like a football after the whistle has blown.

The latest is State Senator Dick Codey. Yesterday, the State Senate approved legislation he co-sponsored that doubles the fines for cell phone offenses while driving and even calls for license suspensions upon 3rd offense. Codey says, "We know by statistics that a driver who is talking on their cell phone or texting while driving is more dangerous than people who are drunk. These people are the new drunk drivers."

Well here are some statistics for you. In 2010, there were 3,267 people killed in the U.S. by 'distracted driving', which mind you is an umbrella term and covers MORE than just cell phone distractions. Whereas in 2010 there were 10,228 people killed in the U.S. by drunk driving.

Which is more dangerous? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comment section below.