Final answer:
The legality of texting while driving for individuals 21 or older varies by location, but it is universally considered dangerous. Studies, like that referenced by Bayer & Campbell, demonstrate the habitual nature of checking phones which poses significant safety risks when combined with driving. Laws aim to mitigate risks and encourage safer driving behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
For drivers 21 or older, whether sending text messages and reading them while driving is legal depends on the specific laws of the state or country they are driving in. However, it is important to understand that regardless of legality, texting while driving is highly dangerous and can significantly impair driving performance. The habit of checking the phone while driving can be incredibly strong, as suggested by Bayer & Campbell (2012); this habit or event schema is difficult to break.
Much like how the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 influenced alcohol consumption behaviors by raising the legal drinking age, laws and policies that prohibit texting while driving aim to encourage safer driving behaviors and reduce accidents. Research has shown that texting while driving can greatly increase the risk of accidents due to delayed response times. In a hypothetical study examining the effects of texting on driving, one might design a controlled experiment to measure the response times of drivers under different conditions: driving only and driving while texting, to provide clear evidence of the risks involved.
In conclusion, while the legality of texting while driving for adults varies by jurisdiction, the practice is widely recognized as risky and potentially deadly. It is essential for drivers to understand the significant safety risks associated with this behavior and to avoid it, regardless of age or the legal landscape.