Idaho · Handbook chapter 7 · 4 min read

Starting out safely, the five steps for pulling out or changing lanes, problem drivers, defensive driving and scanning, blind spots, distractions, Idaho's texting law, fatigue and unattended vehicles.

Why this chapter matters

Driver error causes more than 90% of crashes. This chapter covers the habits that keep you out of them, and the test often asks about scanning, blind spots and phones. Learn 10 to 15 seconds, 9 and 3 o'clock and six times.

Starting out

• Before getting in, look in front of and behind the vehicle for children or objects.
• Adjust your seat and mirrors, buckle up, and check that passengers are belted.
• Start with the parking brake set and the car in park or neutral; hold the foot brake, shift into gear, then release the parking brake.

Every time you pull away from the curb, into a parking space or change lanes:

1. Check your mirrors.
2. Signal for the required five seconds or 100 feet.
3. Look over your shoulder in the direction you will move.
4. Move gradually and smoothly when it is safe.
5. Cancel the signal.

Your mood

Worry, anger, family problems, illness and overconfidence all make crashes more likely. If you are upset, let someone else drive. Do not rely on other drivers' warnings; depend on your own alertness.

Watch for problem drivers

Give extra room to drivers who may not see you (entering from blocked driveways, backing out, or with iced-over windows) and to anyone distracted: delivery workers, children at play, tourists, drivers hunting for an address. Help out a driver in trouble, for example by slowing to let a passer back in when a curve or oncoming car appears.

Defensive driving

• Keep both hands on opposite sides of the wheel, at about 9 and 3 o'clock.
• Scan: keep your eyes moving; avoid a fixed stare.
• Look ahead about 10 to 15 seconds, about a block in the city.
• Look to the sides wherever cars, people or animals could cross, even at a green light.
• Look behind several times a minute. Most rear-end crashes come from following too closely.
• Blind spots are near the left and right rear corners. Without a right-side mirror the right one is bigger. Always turn your head before moving sideways, and do not linger in others' blind spots.
• Then identify hazards, predict the worst, decide early and execute smoothly.

Distracted driving

Texting, calling, eating, reading, adjusting the radio, grooming, searching for things, and tending children or pets all take your attention away. To stay focused:

• Set the radio and route before you go, and keep the volume low enough to hear sirens and horns.
• Let a passenger navigate.
• Do not eat while driving; put pets in a carrier.
• If your mind wanders, pull over and take a break.

Cell phones

In Idaho it is an infraction to read, write or send text messages while driving. Hands-free use without either hand is allowed. A conviction brings a fine but no points, and counts as a moving violation only for commercial drivers. The handbook rates texting at the wheel about six times as dangerous as impaired driving. Pull over and park somewhere safe before you use a phone.

Fatigue and highway hypnosis

Drowsiness is one of the biggest killers on interstates. When you feel sleepy, stop at the next rest area and take a nap; do not rely on stay-awake pills or energy drinks. Monotony can cause highway hypnosis, so keep moving your eyes near and far, left and right.

Unattended vehicles

A vehicle left on the traveled part of a highway may be towed immediately. One left on the paved shoulder is a danger after dark and must be moved before darkness or it can be towed at the owner's expense.

Alive at 25

Alive at 25 is a defensive driving course taught by law enforcement for drivers 15 through 24.