What driving behavior is most likely to lead to accidents due to inattention?

Using a handheld device while driving is most likely to lead to accidents due to inattention because it significantly diverts a driver’s focus from the road. Handheld devices often require both visual and cognitive attention, as the driver must look at the screen and think about the content, thereby reducing their awareness of their surroundings and the driving task at hand. This multitasking can lead to delayed reactions, misjudgment of distances and speeds, and an inability to respond promptly to sudden changes in the driving environment, such as the behavior of other vehicles or pedestrians.

In contrast, looking at the road environment is a crucial part of safe driving and directly contributes to awareness and decision-making. Listening to the radio, while potentially distracting, doesn’t require the same level of visual attention as using a handheld device. Engaging in conversations with passengers can also be distracting but typically allows the driver to maintain some level of visual focus on the road, especially if the conversation is not overly intense. Thus, the nature and extent of distraction presented by handheld devices make them particularly hazardous compared to other behaviors listed.