Which of the following is a consequence of distracted driving?

Distracted driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react to various situations on the road. When a driver is engaged in distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting controls, their attention is divided, making it difficult to respond quickly to hazards or changes in traffic conditions. This decreased reaction time can lead to accidents, as the driver may not be able to brake, steer, or make quick decisions effectively when needed.

The other options do not reflect the realities of distracted driving. Increased fuel efficiency is not related to the act of distraction; instead, distractions often lead to erratic driving behavior that can affect fuel consumption negatively. Improved focus on the road contradicts the very nature of distracted driving, which means shifting attention away from what is happening on the road. Better communication with passengers may occur, but it does not justify or counteract the dangers posed by distractions while driving. Thus, decreased reaction time is a clear and direct consequence of engaging in distracted driving behaviors.