Which of the following is a consequence of distracted driving?

The consequence of distracted driving that is recognized as significantly impactful is the increased risk of accidents. When a driver is distracted—whether by their phone, passengers, or any other activities—they are less able to focus on the road and their surroundings. This reduces reaction times and can lead to poor decision-making, ultimately increasing the likelihood of collisions. The data consistently shows that distraction is a major factor in many traffic accidents, as it directly impairs a driver's ability to maintain control and to react appropriately to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

The other options, while they may have some relationship to driving conditions, do not directly result from distracted driving in the same way. For example, reduced fuel economy can occur due to aggressive driving or vehicle maintenance issues, but it is not a consequence of being distracted while driving. Similarly, less traffic congestion tends to be influenced by overall traffic volume, road capacity, and the behavior of many drivers rather than the distraction of individual drivers. Stronger road rage may be associated with driver frustration but does not inherently increase as a result of distraction alone; it can stem from a range of causes. Therefore, increased risk of accidents is the most relevant and direct consequence of engaging in distracted driving.