According to a survey released Wednesday, Virginians are some of the worst offenders in the nation when it comes to texting behind the wheel. The survey found that more than one-third of Virginians text while driving.

If texting behind the wheel causes a crash, you could face serious charges, but the question of whether it's okay to send text messages while driving has gotten some mixed responses

Driver Jim Campbell says, "I think it's pretty dangerous because people have to look at their cell phone to be texting, not paying attention to their driving, and I just think they're not really being cautious enough."

Another driver, Douglas Schmitt, says, "I think it is dangerous, but I do it every once in a while only in short texts."

However, Virginia State Police Trooper D.J. Bowman says doing anything that takes your focus off the road while you're driving is not a good idea.

"Texting requires you to look down a lot. It takes your attention off of what's in front of you, and what's around you, and if you can't focus on that, you certainly can't focus on driving," say Bowman.

She also says car accidents caused by texting could mean anything from a distracted driver's charge to a reckless driving charge, which could carry fines and or jail time depending on the severity of the accident.

Bowman also says, even though using hands free devices while driving is a better option than texting, there is still a chance that your conversation can keep you from driving safely.

She explains, "If you're involved in talking to someone and it becomes a heated argument, then you're focus becomes on that. It doesn't stay on driving and on the road."

In Virginia, its not illegal for adults to text and drive, even though police say it's unsafe, but there is a law against texting and driving for drivers under the age of 18.