In the context of stress and driving safety, what is the estimated percentage of rear-end collisions caused by cell phone use or texting?

• A. Less than 1%
• B. About 25%
• C. About 50%
• D. About 5%

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: The question asks about the estimated percentage of rear-end collisions caused specifically by cell phone use or texting while driving, which relates to distracted driving research in psychology and traffic safety studies.
2. Recall or review relevant research findings: Studies in psychology and traffic safety often analyze the causes of accidents, and distracted driving due to cell phone use is a significant factor. Look for statistics from reputable sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or peer-reviewed research.
3. Identify the category of distraction: Rear-end collisions are often linked to driver inattention or delayed reaction times, which texting or cell phone use can cause by diverting attention from the road.
4. Compare the given options with known data: Research typically shows that distracted driving, especially texting, contributes to a substantial portion of rear-end collisions, often estimated around one-quarter of such accidents.
5. Conclude that the best estimate from the options provided is 'About 25%', as it aligns with empirical data indicating that roughly 25% of rear-end collisions are caused by cell phone use or texting.