Which statement about cell phone use and driving is true?

• A. Slower reaction time
• B. No effect on reaction time
• C. Shortens reaction time
• D. Faster decision making

Answer: (A)

Using a cell phone while driving reduces your mental focus and slows your reaction time when a hazard appears. Reaction time is the delay between noticing a danger and starting to respond, like braking or steering. A phone conversation or text diverts attention and resources away from the driving task, so hazards aren’t recognized as quickly and responses aren’t initiated as promptly. Even hands-free use still pulls cognitive effort toward the conversation, so the slowing effect remains. That’s why the truthful statement is that cell phone use slows reaction time. The other options imply no change or even a faster response, which isn’t supported by how distraction affects driving.