Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test

Which of the following is a common cause of accidents?

1. Driving at night

2. Poor vehicle maintenance

3. Distracted driving

4. Excessive speed limits

The correct answer is: Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents because it diverts the driver’s attention away from the road and increases the likelihood of making unsafe driving decisions. This distraction can stem from various activities, such as using a mobile phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. When drivers are not fully focused on their driving tasks, their reaction times increase, and the chances of missing critical visual and auditory cues rise, leading to a greater risk of collisions. While driving at night, poor vehicle maintenance, and excessive speed limits can all contribute to accidents, they are often situational or conditional factors rather than ongoing behaviors. Distracted driving, however, is a pervasive issue that affects drivers of all kinds and presents an immediate and persistent risk on the road, making it a leading cause of accidents.