There are plenty of people that absolutely do exactly that.
When I was younger and dumber I used to do literally that. Get a text message, read it, and respond to it, while driving. With a stick shift, too. I can't believe I never hurt anyone doing this.
In BC, Canada, where I now live, this is prosecuted rather aggressively as 'distracted driving'. First ticket is in the neighborhood of $400 + required increase in premiums, and the threshold is touching your phone or having it within reach and not in a cradle. A second offense within a year can lead to a suspended license. It certainly shows. When I go down to the states, it is noticeable how many people I can see interacting with their phones compared to BC.
I can easily believe you never hurt anyone doing this, as conditions that lead to an accident are rare and often predictable. For example, you probably never answered a text while going through a roundabout, but restricted it to straight sections of road with a clear view ahead and no nearby cars. This increased you risk, but from an extremely small base.
When I was younger and dumber I used to do literally that. Get a text message, read it, and respond to it, while driving. With a stick shift, too. I can't believe I never hurt anyone doing this.
In BC, Canada, where I now live, this is prosecuted rather aggressively as 'distracted driving'. First ticket is in the neighborhood of $400 + required increase in premiums, and the threshold is touching your phone or having it within reach and not in a cradle. A second offense within a year can lead to a suspended license. It certainly shows. When I go down to the states, it is noticeable how many people I can see interacting with their phones compared to BC.