Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

While driving, if you are distracted and not focused, what might occur?

1. You can still maintain control if you stay calm.

2. It may lead to an increased reaction time.

3. It can make you more aware of surroundings.

4. It can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

The correct answer is: It can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

When driving, being distracted and not fully focused significantly increases the risk of an accident. Distractions—whether from mobile devices, passengers, or external factors—divert attention away from the road and impair a driver's ability to react quickly to changing conditions, such as obstacles or other vehicles. This distraction can lead to a lack of awareness about what is happening in the environment, making it much harder to respond effectively and maintain control of the vehicle. When a driver is not attentive, their ability to make decisions based on what they see and hear is compromised, which can lead to dangerous situations. For instance, a distracted driver may fail to notice a stop sign or the presence of pedestrians, ultimately resulting in a collision or near-miss. The other options suggest outcomes that are either unrealistic or do not accurately reflect the consequences of being distracted while driving. Maintaining control solely based on staying calm under distraction is unlikely; increased reaction times are more of a symptom of distraction rather than a direct outcome; and being distracted actually detracts from safety awareness, contradicting the idea that it makes one more aware.