A 3-minute lesson from the Oregon course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Being tired, sick or angry can make you as dangerous as being distracted. Drowsiness slows your reactions and dulls your awareness. Aggressive drivers are best avoided, not challenged. And Oregon limits who may ride outside a vehicle's cab.
Road rage
Angry or aggressive behavior by drivers, such as driving in an illegal, unsafe or threatening manner, shouting and rude gestures.
If you're sick, consider whether you're up to driving. Some conditions cause confusion, slower reactions or sudden loss of consciousness — talk to your doctor about how yours affects driving.
No one, of any age, should ride in a pickup bed or on any external part of a vehicle. Oregon law prohibits anyone under 18 from riding on the hood, fender, running board or other external part, including a pickup bed.
You can't carry a dog on an external part of a vehicle, including a pickup bed, unless a framework, carrier or other device keeps it from falling. Don't hold an animal in your lap or arms while driving.
An hour from home you catch yourself drifting over the lane line and yawning. Don't push through. Pull off at the next safe place to rest or take a brisk walk, drink some water, or let your passenger take over.
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.
Which of these is a sign of drowsy driving?
Excessive checking of mirrors
Heavy eyelids and head nodding
Gripping the wheel tightly
Frequent lane changes to pass slower cars
Answer: Heavy eyelids and head nodding
Heavy eyelids and head nodding are signs of drowsiness.