Which form of distraction presents the highest relative risk while driving?

Texting while driving presents the highest relative risk because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once. When a driver texts, they divert their eyes from the road, which impairs their ability to see potential hazards and react in a timely manner. It also requires the use of hands to compose the message, taking them away from the steering wheel, and it demands mental focus to think about the content being sent, which detracts from attention to driving.

This combination of distractions significantly increases the likelihood of a crash. Studies consistently show that texting contributes to a higher incidence of accidents compared to other forms of distraction. For instance, while using a hands-free device or talking to passengers may divert attention, they generally do not require the same level of physical involvement and focus as texting does. Adjusting the radio involves physical distraction but typically does not engage the cognitive resources to the same extent as texting, making texting the most dangerous of these options.