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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-distracted-driving

Which of these is the most alarming driving distraction?

Texting takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds.

  1. Listening to music
  2. Talking with a passenger
  3. Texting ✔

Why: Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Huh, didn't know that: CDC lists three kinds of distraction: eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.

The dad joke
Why did the phone go to driving school? To stop being a distracted driver!
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References

Answer: Texting. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

  1. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/DL_Manual.pdf
    Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for a minimum of 5 seconds.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. CDC: About Distracted Driving www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html
    Visual: taking your eyes off the road, Manual: taking your hands off the wheel, Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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