If you want to minimize cell phone distraction while driving, which practice is least effective?

• A. Turn on Do Not Disturb mode
• B. Turn off notifications without enabling Do Not Disturb
• C. Use voice-to-text features
• D. Holding the phone and checking it frequently

Answer: (D)

Reducing distractions from a phone while driving hinges on eliminating or minimizing the ways the device pulls your attention away from the road. The most effective approaches are those that prevent interruptions or keep you from interacting with the phone at all. Turning on Do Not Disturb blocks most alerts, so you’re less likely to glance at the screen. Turning off notifications without enabling Do Not Disturb further reduces the chance you’ll be interrupted by alerts. Using voice-to-text offers a hands-free way to communicate, which helps you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, though it still requires some cognitive effort and can lead to momentary confusion or errors. Holding the phone and checking it frequently, however, creates a continuous visual and manual distraction every time you pick it up, pulling your attention away from driving and dramatically increasing crash risk. That direct, ongoing interaction makes it the least effective way to minimize distraction.