CLEMSON UNIVERSITY — How dangerous is a cell phone or iPod while driving?

That’s what Johnell Brooks, Clemson University assistant professor of psychology, wanted to know.

Working with Jennifer Ogle, and assistant professor of civil engineering, she was able to test driving with distractions.

“We already know drivers are distracted when talking on their cell phones,” Ms. Brooks said. “This research shows that using an iPod or text-messaging while driving is potentially more dangerous.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, some studies indicate that drivers are four times as likely to have a crash that results in a hospital stay when using a cell phone.

Ms. Brooks tested college students who were experienced with texting for her study. In a simulator, the students were asked to drive down a continuously curvy road. At first, they were just to drive. Then, they were asked to do a series of tasks while driving including verbal word games, text messaging, talking on a cell phone and playing with an iPod.

Texting is a term describing entering short typed messages and sending them via cellphone or other electronic device.

Her data, she said, showed that drivers who were text messaging were 10 times more likely to leave their lane than regular drivers. The message, she said, was clear.

“I think it’s really important that we tell our teenagers not to text and drive,” she said.

For her next study, she said, she will be looking at aging drivers and their ability to drive with distractions. And she would love more volunteers, she said.

To volunteer for any future studies, call Ms. Brook’s psychology laboratory at (864) 656-1703.