Rhode Island driving lesson · Distraction, Drowsiness & Emotions
Emotions & Driving
A 3-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Strong feelings change how you see and process the road. An upset driver can stare right at a red light and drive through it. Studies show the most critical factor in driver performance, regardless of training, is self-awareness and the ability to interact with others.
Situations that can leave you too upset to drive safely:
News of a serious illness or death of someone close
An argument right before you get in the car
Excitement or disappointment after a close ball game
Long lines of traffic, or following a slow vehicle on a winding road
Positive emotions such as being overly happy and excited can impair you, but negative emotions such as anger and frustration may affect driving safety to an even greater degree.
Emotional upsets such as grief and anxiety may last several days. If you feel depressed or any other significant emotion, it may be wise to have another person drive.
You just had a heated argument and want to storm off in the car. Most emotional upsets are temporary—wait until the anger fades, or ask someone else to drive, before you get behind the wheel.
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.
What is identified as the most critical factor in driver performance, regardless of training?
Self-awareness and ability to interact with others
Years of driving experience
Quick reaction time
Familiarity with the specific road
Answer: Self-awareness and ability to interact with others
Studies show the most critical factor in driver performance is an individual's self-awareness and ability to interact with other people.