A 3-minute lesson from the Idaho course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
If you don't give driving your full attention, bad things happen fast. A child can dart from between parked cars, a cyclist can zoom into your path, or the car ahead can brake, all in the few seconds you look away.
Distractions that cause crashes:
Texting or talking on the phone
Eating; reading or writing
Changing the radio station or lighting a cigarette
In Idaho, reading, writing, or sending text messages while driving is illegal (an infraction). It doesn't apply to hands-free devices used without either hand.
Stop driving when drowsy: pull off at the first rest stop or service area and nap. Drowsiness is one of the greatest killers on interstates. Don't rely on 'stay awake' drugs or energy drinks.
Unattended vehicles on the traveled part of a highway may be towed immediately. If left on the paved part off the traveled lanes, they must be removed before dark or be towed at the owner's expense.
Your phone buzzes with a text while you're on the highway. Reading it is illegal in Idaho. Leave it, or pull into a safe parking spot before you read or reply.
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.
Idaho's texting law prohibits which of these while driving?
Reading, writing, or sending texts
Voice texting with a hands-free device
Talking on a hands-free phone
Listening to the radio
Answer: Reading, writing, or sending texts
Reading, writing, or sending written communication while driving is illegal; hands-free use without either hand is exempt.