Mobiles `worse than screaming child` for concentration behind the wheel

London: Using a phone while driving can be more distracting and dangerous than a screaming child, new research has revealed.

Reaction times in an emergency were 23 per cent longer when texting than normal, a study using a simulator found, the Daily Express reported. It equates to a car moving 28ft (8.5 meteres) blind at 70mph. Children arguing on the back seat slowed reaction times by 13 per cent. Even just having a mobile switched on while driving is potentially lethal if it rings, research for car insurers Esure revealed. ANI