What type of driving behavior may lead to an increased risk of accidents?

Distracted driving or texting while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents because it diverts a driver's attention away from the road and the task of operating the vehicle. When a driver is engaged in distractions such as texting, they may miss important visual and auditory cues in their environment, such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles. This reduction in awareness can lead to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and ultimately, collisions.

Moreover, texting requires both visual and manual attention; the driver not only has to look at their phone but also use their hands to type or interact with the device. This multitasking severely compromises their ability to focus on the driving environment. In contrast, actions like using cruise control in good weather, adjusting the radio occasionally, or maintaining a steady speed typically involve less cognitive overload and do not significantly detract from a driver's awareness of their surroundings. These behaviors, while they can still be distractions if done excessively or at the wrong times, are far less hazardous than the act of texting while driving, which is a well-established danger on the road.