Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

Texting while driving is considered a significant form of distracted driving because it involves taking your attention away from the road both visually and cognitively. When a driver texts, they are required to look away from the road to read or compose a message, which impairs their ability to react to surrounding traffic, obstacles, or sudden changes in the driving environment. This dual distraction increases the risk of accidents, as it takes a driver’s focus off their primary task of driving safely.

In contrast, other activities such as listening to the radio, having passengers in the car, or using GPS for navigation can be less distracting when done correctly. While they can still divert attention, they typically do not require the same level of visual and cognitive engagement that texting does. For instance, adjusting the radio often can be done with minimal visual distraction, and GPS can provide directions audibly, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road.