Which of the following is considered a distracted driving activity?

Texting while driving is considered a distracted driving activity because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once. When a driver texts, they take their eyes off the road to look at the phone screen, use their hands to type or swipe, and mentally focus on the content of the message rather than on driving. This multi-faceted distraction significantly increases the risk of an accident, as it impairs the driver’s ability to respond to changing road conditions or obstacles.

In contrast, listening to music may affect attention but doesn't typically divert vision or hands as texting does. Using a hands-free device is designed to minimize distractions, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while engaging in conversation. Talking to passengers usually involves shared attention on the road and can actually enhance safety by providing a second set of eyes and engaging the driver in a dialogue about what’s happening in the driving environment.