Which of the following statements is true regarding texting and driving?

Texting while driving is recognized as a significant risk of distraction, making it a critical issue in road safety. When a driver engages in texting, their attention is diverted from the task of driving, which requires full concentration to respond to changing conditions on the road. This distraction encompasses cognitive, visual, and manual elements, as the driver is not only taking their eyes off the road but also mentally focused on composing or reading messages instead of monitoring traffic around them.

This distraction can lead to slower reaction times and increased likelihood of accidents, as the driver may be unable to respond promptly to unexpected events such as sudden stops, pedestrians, or other vehicles shifting lanes. The dangers associated with texting and driving are well-documented and supported by numerous studies highlighting the sharp increase in crash risk compared to undistracted driving.

In contrast, the other statements underestimate the dangers of texting while behind the wheel, either by implying it does not affect driving ability or by suggesting it is a safer choice than driving under the influence or appropriate under certain conditions like low traffic, both of which are misleading.