distracted driving

“There has been considerable time passed (5-10 years) from the initial alarm and subsequent legislation at all levels of government concerning the presumed links to traffic accidents/deaths with increased texting while driving.  Was there ever any evidence that texting while driving resulted in increased accidents/deaths?  Or, did texting while driving just replace other distractions for those same drivers, who would have had their accidents anyway?”
In an ill-advised Twitter ad, the candidate offers a teachable moment on the importance of not driving while distracted.