McGehee in CNN's "The Situation Room"

Human Factors Program Director Dan McGehee appeared on CNN's The Situation Room to discuss the dangers of distracted driving. The segment featured the University of Iowa's National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS). Research at NADS has found that a 2-second glance away from the road ahead can land a driver in trouble. The average text message requires a 4-second glance. CNN's Lizzie O'Leary tests the simulator herself to show viewers that even the smallest of distractions can lead to a hazardous situation.

In 2009, distracted driving was responsible for more than 5,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries in this country. Thirty-five states currently ban text messaging while driving, and the federal government would like to see that number increase. They are considering incentive grants to help states enact laws to help reduce distraced driving.

Watch the video below: