Final answer:
In Maryland, it is illegal for all drivers to text while driving, without exceptions. The law aims to reduce the risks associated with the distracted driving habit of using cell phones, as supported by studies indicating increased accident risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Maryland vehicle law, it is illegal for all drivers to text while driving. This prohibition reflects the broader concern for road safety and the recognition that texting while driving can significantly distract drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
The data from various studies, like the one referenced by Bayer & Campbell (2012), underscores the danger posed by the habit of using a cell phone while driving. Importantly, these laws are in place to counteract the 'phone schema' and discourage drivers from engaging in such risky behavior to ensure public safety on the roads.
Creating a study to measure the effect of texting on driving performance, as mentioned in the data, would provide empirical evidence of the delay in response time when a driver is texting.
It's an important measure to understand the potential consequences of this habit on reaction times in critical situations, such as when the leading car hits the brakes.
Irrespective of the situation, such as the frustration felt by Peter for a slow driver, or the urgent need to reach a hospital in the given scenario with the pregnant woman, Maryland law mandates that texting while driving is illegal for all drivers, without exception to these circumstances.
Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to adhere to these laws to maintain safety for themselves and other road users.