2013 Oregon Driver Manual - Oregon Department of Transportation

Inside Distractions
Being alert is an essential part of safe driving. The following are some
distractions that might keep you from paying attention while driving:
• Do not hold a package, pet, or person in your lap or arms. This
could interfere with driving control, especially in an emergency, or
with your view to the rear, front, or sides. If you are involved in a
crash while holding a person or animal while driving, the person or
animal may sustain serious injuries or death. Likewise, holding a
package could cause the driver to sustain serious injuries or death.
• Children and pets can be noisy or demand your attention while you
are driving. It is dangerous to take your eyes off the road to turn
around to deal with the needs of children or pets. If you must give
attention to young passengers or animals, try to wait until you are at a
red light or stop sign. If possible, pull over to the side of the road and
park your vehicle before dealing with your passengers or animals.
• It is very dangerous to remove a coat or jacket while driving.
Other activities such as applying makeup, reading maps, or reading
the newspaper while driving are also dangerous. These types of
activities can place you in serious danger of a crash.
• It is dangerous to eat and drink while driving. A hectic schedule can
pressure you to grab a quick lunch at a drive-thru window, but you are
far safer to pull over and park while eating in your vehicle than to eat
while you drive. Your reaction time is slowed if an emergency arises
while you have one hand on the wheel and your other hand around a
sandwich or a soft drink you are worried about spilling.
• Mobile (cellular) telephones and other communication devices.
Drivers 18 years of age and older are required by Oregon law to
use a hands-free accessory. The key to using mobile telephones is
to remember that driving is your primary mission while behind the
wheel. You must pay attention at all times. By law, drivers under 18
years of age are not allowed to use a mobile communication device
while operating a vehicle.
• It is illegal to play a radio or other sound system so loud that
it can be heard 50 feet or more away from your vehicle. It is
important that you be able to hear the sound of horns, screeching tires,
and sirens. A loud radio could also prevent you from hearing other
feedback such as a change in the sound coming from your tires that
warns you of road surface changes, problems with your cars engine,
or you may not realize that your turn signal is still activated. It is also
dangerous to wear headphones while driving for these same reasons.
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