Final answer:
Cell phone use impairs a driver's ability to handle the changing driving environment, similar to a driver with a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Step-by-step explanation:
Cell phone use impairs a driver's ability to handle the changing driving environment, similar to a driver with a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Alcohol intoxication typically begins after two or more alcoholic drinks. Legally, alcohol intoxication is often defined as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 5.4-17.4 mmol/L (25-80 mg/dL or 0.025-0.080%). This can be measured by blood or breath testing.
When a driver is impaired by alcohol, their reaction time, visual acuity, alertness, and behavioral control are all affected. Similarly, when a driver is using a cell phone, their attention is diverted from the road, leading to slower reaction times and reduced situational awareness, which impairs their ability to handle the changing driving environment.