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[…] while stationary at a red light isn't dangerous in the slightest if […]
There is some evidence that the distraction lasts for quite a while:
There were long-lasting residual costs after [In-Vehicle Information System eg mobile phone] interactions had terminated. These residual costs were notable for their magnitude and duration – in fact, it took 27 seconds to return to single-task baseline levels of performance.
Strayer, D. et al (2015), Measuring cognitive distraction in the automobile III, University of Utah, for AAA Foundation for traffic safety, 2015 PDF
aglet
I very rarely drive but have some sympathy.
Texting (or using a handheld phone for whatever reason) while stationary at a red light isn't dangerous in the slightest if you're paying attention to when it's changing and are prepared to put it down immediately before setting off again.
If you need to get a quick message to someone I reckon it's safer than a completely legal hands-free call.