A 4-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Sharing the road safely isn't just courtesy; it's the law. Distraction, aggression and recklessness each put you, your passengers and everyone around you in danger, and each can bring charges.
Know the rule
A distraction takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off driving. Mental distractions are just as dangerous; even tuning a radio can be risky in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Alcohol, marijuana and many other drugs reduce your ability to manage multiple tasks, so a distraction that is merely hazardous can be life-threatening for an impaired driver.
You may not use any mobile electronic device while driving except hands-free or in an emergency. Careless driving from texting or any manual phone use can bring a fine or a misdemeanor charge.
Tailgating, passing on the shoulder or running a red light may be seen as aggressive if willful. So can a combination of speeding, cutting others off, swerving, honking, flashing headlights, yelling and rude gestures.
Avoid becoming aggressive: leave early, expect others to make mistakes, keep calm, don't bring anger from elsewhere into your driving, and let people merge.
A driver tailgates you, flashes their lights, then speeds past yelling. Don't speed up, gesture or make eye contact. Let them go, and if it's safe (hands-free), dial *277 to report them.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If a law enforcement officer determines your driving endangered another person or property, you could be charged under Colorado's reckless driving statute, resulting in up to how many points?
12 points
2 points
4 points
8 points
Answer: 8 points
A reckless driving conviction can result in up to 8 points assessed against your driving record.