A 3-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Anything that pulls your eyes, hands or mind from driving is dangerous. Your eyes can look right at something and still not see it when your attention is elsewhere. Texas bans texting while driving and all phone use by drivers under 18.
Common distractions
Texting, or talking on a cell phone or CB radio
Talking to passengers
Adjusting the radio, CD player or climate controls
Eating, drinking or smoking
Reading maps or other literature, or billboards
Picking up something that fell
Watching other people and vehicles, including aggressive drivers
Using telematics devices such as navigation systems
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and keep a safe following distance. Be very careful passing; they may not know you're there and could drift in front of you.
It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device while driving. If your phone rings, don't answer the call or reply to the text.
You may use a phone to contact law enforcement or in an emergency. If you must call, pull safely off the road, keep it short, or have a passenger call.
A text buzzes while you're driving on the freeway. Leave the phone alone. If it's urgent, take the next exit, park safely, then read and reply, or ask a passenger to handle it.
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.
For an adult driver, which cell phone activity is illegal while driving in Texas?
Calling law enforcement to report a crash
Using a hands-free headset for a call
Reading, writing or sending text messages
Calling 911 during an emergency
Answer: Reading, writing or sending text messages
It's illegal to read, write, or send messages on a wireless device while driving.