Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute say their recently announced study provides "a clear picture of driver distraction and cell phone use under real-world driving conditions."

Among the most dramatic findings was that sending text messages multiplies the risk of a crash or "near-crash event" by more than 23 times. The research was based on videotaped reactions of drivers of light vehicles and trucks rather than simulated scenarios.

Among conclusions and recommendations:

• Driving is a visual task and nondriving activities that draw the drivers' eyes away from the roadway, such as texting and dialing, should always be avoided.
• Texting should be banned in moving vehicles for all drivers.
• Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held phone use. True hands-free systems, such as voice-activated systems, are less risky.
• All cell phone use should be banned for newly licensed teen drivers.