Texting while driving

High school (ages 12+)
Safety & Emergency

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/texting-while-driving

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the behavioral category?A form of distracted driving involving mobile phone text messaging
2. What is the mechanism of impairment?Engages visual, manual, and cognitive distractions simultaneously
3. Why is texting while driving so dangerous?Texting takes your eyes off the road, one hand off the wheel, and your mind away from driving. This makes it hard to see danger, brake in time, or stay in your lane.
4. How much more likely are accidents when texting?Studies show drivers who text are up to 23 times more likely to crash than those who aren’t distracted.

Distracted driving: Any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of safe vehicle operation.
Visual distraction: When a driver's eyes are not focused on the driving environment.
Manual distraction: When a driver's hands are not on the steering wheel or in a position to control the vehicle.
Cognitive distraction: When a driver's mind is preoccupied with thoughts unrelated to driving.