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Wyoming driving lesson · Defensive Driving & Conditions

Cell phones and distracted driving

A 2-minute lesson from the Wyoming course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Defensive Driving & Conditions
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
88, 89

A phone call pulls your mind off the road even when your hands are free. Wyoming bans texting behind the wheel, and some towns ban cell phone use altogether. The safest call is the one you make parked.

Know the rule

Federal studies show cell phone use, including hands-free phones, has caused many crashes and near misses. Hands-free phones give little safety benefit over hand-held ones, according to NHTSA.

Handbook p. 88 ↗

Know the rule

The act of conversing is among the greatest driver distractions.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

Know the rule

Wyoming law prohibits reading or sending a text message from a cell phone or other device while operating a vehicle.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

Know the rule

Some Wyoming cities and towns have ordinances against using a cell phone while driving in city limits. Check ahead and watch for notices.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

Know the rule

WYDOT recommends you pull well off the highway and STOP before making a call or texting.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

If you must use a phone where calls are allowed:

  • Dial a few numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then dial the rest
  • Don't have extended, emotional or distracting conversations; say you'll call back
  • NEVER read or send text messages while driving; it's illegal and dangerous
Handbook p. 89 ↗

Know the rule

Your first responsibility when driving is to pay attention to the road.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

Put it into practice

A friend texts you while you're driving on I-80. Don't read it. Wyoming law bans reading or sending texts while driving. Pull well off the highway and stop 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.

WYDOT recommends that drivers pull well off the highway and stop before making a cell phone call or texting.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

WYDOT recommends vehicle operators pull well off the highway and STOP before making a cellular call or texting.

Handbook p. 89 ↗
What does Wyoming law prohibit regarding cell phones while driving?
  1. Any use of a cell phone whatsoever
  2. Talking on a hands-free phone
  3. Reading or sending text messages
  4. Only using a hand-held phone for calls

Answer: Reading or sending text messages

Wyoming law prohibits reading or sending a text message from a cell phone or other device while operating a vehicle.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
According to federal research cited in the handbook, do hands-free cell phones offer a safety benefit over hand-held phones?
  1. Yes, they cut the crash risk in half
  2. Yes, they are safe for short calls
  3. No data exists on hands-free phone safety
  4. No, hands-free offers little safety benefit

Answer: No, hands-free offers little safety benefit

Research shows that hands-free cell phones provide little safety benefit over hand-held phones, since the conversation itself is the main distraction.

Handbook p. 89 ↗
If you must dial a number while driving where calls are legally allowed, what is the recommended approach?
  1. Dial a few digits, check the road, then finish
  2. Dial the entire number in one motion without looking up
  3. Hold the phone at eye level while dialing
  4. Dial by feel while watching the road

Answer: Dial a few digits, check the road, then finish

If you must dial while driving, dial a few numbers, look back at the highway and mirrors, then dial the last numbers.

Handbook p. 89 ↗
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