Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

Which of the following is a consequence of distracted driving?

1. Increased reaction time

2. Improved focus on the road

3. Higher likelihood of accidents

4. Better attention to traffic signs

The correct answer is: Higher likelihood of accidents

The correct answer highlights a significant consequence of distracted driving: it leads to a higher likelihood of accidents. When a driver is distracted, their ability to pay attention to the road diminishes. Distractions can come from various sources, such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even interacting with passengers. This disengagement not only impairs a driver's awareness of their surroundings but also affects critical driving skills like reaction time and situational judgment. In contrast, the other options imply improvements or enhancements to driving capabilities or safety, which are not accurate in the context of distracted driving. For instance, increased reaction time suggests that a driver would respond more quickly to potential hazards, which contradicts the evidence that distraction slows reaction times. Similarly, improved focus on the road and better attention to traffic signs would both indicate that a driver is fully engaged, which is not the case when distractions are present. Thus, these factors reinforce the idea that distractions compromise driving safety, further emphasizing why distraction significantly increases the risk of accidents.