Final answer:
Distracted driving includes visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, with texting while driving highlighted as a particularly habitual and dangerous behavior that can lead to road accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to road accidents and can be broken down into three main types. The first type is visual distractions, which involve taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a roadside incident or glancing at a navigation system. Next, there are manual distractions which require you to take your hands off the wheel; for example, adjusting the radio or eating while driving. Finally, cognitive distractions occur when your mind is not focused on driving, such as conversing with passengers or being lost in thought about personal issues. Current psychological research, like that by Bayer & Campbell (2012), highlights the habitual nature of activities like texting while driving, noting how entrenched behaviors can lead to significant distractions on the road.
A critical point for drivers is to understand how each of these types of distractions can reduce reaction times, compromise decision-making, and increase the likelihood of an accident. It is essential to mitigate these distractions to maintain road safety and prevent dangerous driving conditions.