III. Cloze Test A ‘text message’ or SMS (short message service) is a short message ( 28 160 characters) sent or received from a cell phone or similar device. The act of “texting” has seen a significant rise in 29 in recent years. Texts can be sent from anywhere there is a cell phone signal, so it’s a safe bet that many texts have been sent from people driving in their cars. This 30 the question: how safe is it to send a text while driving? In an independent test, two drivers’ reaction times were tested. First they were tested as they were texting and driving, next they were tested while driving intoxicated. The study found 31 the drivers’ reaction time while intoxicated was very poor, reaction time while texting was significantly worse. Both test subject thought they were good drivers and didn’t realize how much texting would slow their reaction time. But in order to drive safely, it’s necessary to keep your focus on the road. Texting is too distracting and can’t be done safely while driving. While driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, laws 32 texting and driving are not yet widely implemented and even if they were, the laws may be difficult to enforce. So the next time you need to send a text while driving, find a place to pull over. You’ll be improving the safety of the road for both yourself and the other drivers.