Practice question

According to the CDC, how long do your eyes typically leave the road when reading or sending a text?

  1. 2 seconds
  2. 5 seconds
  3. 10 seconds
  4. Not at all if the phone is held up correctly

Answer: B — 5 seconds

When reading or sending a text, your eyes typically leave the road for an average of approximately 5 seconds. This duration is significant because, at 55 miles per hour, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in that time, making it very easy to miss essential visual cues or hazards on the road. The distraction from focusing on a phone can lead to delayed reactions to important changes in traffic or road conditions. Understanding this statistic highlights the dangers of texting while driving and underscores the importance of staying focused and alert when behind the wheel, as even a brief moment of distraction can have severe consequences.

Practice more: Georgia DDA 6-Hour Defensive Driver & Driver Improvement Practice Exam →