Name a common distraction that can impair driving.

Texting or using a mobile phone is a significant distraction that can severely impair driving. This form of distraction involves visual, manual, and cognitive elements, which can take a driver's attention away from the road. When a driver is focused on sending a text or scrolling through their phone, they are not fully engaged with the task of driving. This increases the risk of accidents, as the driver may miss critical visual cues, such as traffic signals, road signs, or other vehicles, and may also slow their reaction time to unexpected situations.

In contrast, other distractions like listening to the radio or talking with passengers can also divert attention but tend to be less risky if managed properly. For instance, adjusting the volume of the radio or having a conversation with passengers can generally be done without taking hands off the wheel or significantly compromising attention. Eating and drinking, while potentially distracting, typically do not involve as intense a focus as texting, although they can still lead to loss of control if not managed carefully.

Thus, the specific combination of visual, manual, and cognitive distraction that comes from using a mobile phone, particularly for texting, places it among the most hazardous distractions while driving.