The Distracted Driving Quiz! Trivia

Talking on a cell phone causes more crashes than texting because when a person is talking on the phone, they are likely to be distracted and their attention is divided between the conversation and the road. This can lead to slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. Texting, on the other hand, requires visual and manual attention, but it does not necessarily divert cognitive attention away from driving as much as talking on the phone does. Therefore, talking on a cell phone is more likely to cause crashes compared to texting.

The statement "Hands-free devices are safer than handheld" is false. While hands-free devices may allow for less physical distraction, they still contribute to cognitive distraction, which can impair a driver's ability to focus on the road. Research has shown that using hands-free devices can lead to inattention blindness and delayed reaction times, making them equally as dangerous as handheld devices. It is important to minimize all distractions while driving to ensure safety on the road.

The correct answer is 4.6 seconds. This suggests that, on average, it takes 4.6 seconds to type a text.

Driving 55 mph in 4.6 seconds covers a significant distance, and the only option that represents a considerable distance is 100 yards or a football field. This option is chosen because it accurately reflects the length covered in the given time interval.

This statement suggests that talking on a cell phone has a similar impact on driving abilities as being intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of .08. This implies that both activities can impair a person's ability to focus, react quickly, and make sound judgments, increasing the risk of accidents.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the brain is not capable of fully focusing on two cognitive tasks simultaneously. While it may appear that we are multitasking, what is actually happening is that our brain is rapidly switching its attention between tasks. This constant switching can lead to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Therefore, multitasking is considered a myth as the brain cannot perform two cognitive tasks simultaneously.

Engaging in a conversation with a passenger is considered less dangerous than having a cell phone conversation while driving because passengers can help the driver by being an extra set of eyes on the road and adjusting their conversation based on the driving conditions. In contrast, talking on a cell phone requires the driver to divide their attention between the conversation and the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, passengers are more aware of the driving situation and can pause the conversation when necessary, while cell phone conversations can be distracting and continuous.

Inattention blindness can cause drivers to not react or respond to traffic lights, pedestrians, and stopped traffic. This phenomenon occurs when a person is not paying enough attention to their surroundings, leading to a lack of awareness of important visual cues such as traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the road, or stopped traffic ahead. This can result in dangerous situations, as the driver may fail to take appropriate actions, such as stopping at a red light, yielding to pedestrians, or slowing down for stopped traffic.

The two common errors made by distracted drivers are inattention blindness and slower response time. Inattention blindness refers to the inability to perceive or process information in the environment due to being distracted. This can cause drivers to miss important cues or hazards on the road. Slower response time means that distracted drivers take longer to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. These errors can significantly increase the risk of accidents and make distracted driving extremely dangerous.

The financial and legal ramifications that a driver may face if they survive a crash include property damage, increased insurance rates, lost wages, and legal fees. Property damage refers to the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged vehicles or other property involved in the crash. Increased insurance rates are a consequence of the crash and may result in higher premiums for the driver. Lost wages refer to the income that the driver may lose if they are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the crash. Legal fees are the expenses associated with hiring a lawyer to handle any legal proceedings related to the crash.

It is not possible for a driver to become an expert at using a cell phone and driving at the same time with practice. Using a cell phone while driving is a dangerous distraction that can significantly impair a driver's ability to focus on the road and react to potential hazards. Research has shown that distracted driving, including cell phone use, increases the risk of accidents and can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is not advisable or possible to become an expert at multitasking with a cell phone while driving.

Using a cell phone while driving is a dangerous and distracting behavior, regardless of whether or not the state has laws against it. Research has consistently shown that using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of accidents and impairs driving performance. Therefore, it is never okay to use a cell phone while driving, regardless of the absence of laws prohibiting it.

This statement is false because distracted driving crashes are indeed preventable. By practicing safe driving habits, such as avoiding phone use, eating, or other distractions while driving, individuals can reduce the risk of getting into a crash. Additionally, laws and regulations regarding distracted driving, along with public awareness campaigns, aim to prevent such incidents. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that distracted driving crashes are not preventable.

Best Practice Cell Phone Policies are put in place to protect employees from unnecessary crash risks. This implies that these policies are designed to ensure that employees do not use their cell phones while driving, which can be a major distraction and increase the risk of accidents. By implementing these policies, employers aim to prioritize the safety of their employees and reduce the likelihood of crashes caused by cell phone use. Therefore, the statement is true.