What We Learned From 9 People Who Died Because Of Texting

It was normal for people to drive drunk and not bother to wear a seatbelt 50 years ago.

Eventually, everyone realized how bad of an idea this was and now driving drunk and not wearing a seatbelt are both illegal.

Today, many argue that texting while driving is just as bad, if not worse, than driving drunk.

Back in 2006, the University of Utah found that, "... people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit" of 0.08 percent, which is the minimum level that defines illegal drunken driving in most U.S. states.

Companies like AT&T have created campaigns that encourage cell phone users to avoid texting while driving at all costs.

Using a cell phone while driving is now illegal in certain states across the country. "Thirty-eight states have laws restricting or outlawing the use of electronic devices while driving," U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood said last year. But people still use their cell phones while driving.

The next time you get in a car, remember these nine people who lost their lives because of texting while driving.