New Hampshire · Handbook chapter 3 · 3 min read

The driver risks in Section 3 of the New Hampshire manual: vision, fatigue and drowsy driving, phones and other distractions, aggressive driving, emotions and children left in hot cars.

Why this chapter matters

Most crashes come from the driver, not the car. This chapter covers New Hampshire's strict phone law, which catches many test takers, and the facts about tiredness and distraction.

Vision

• Have your eyes checked regularly.
• If you need corrective lenses, always wear them to drive, and avoid dark or tinted lenses at night.

Fatigue

• Staying awake 18 hours affects driving about as much as a BAC of 0.05%; after 21 and 24 hours it is like 0.08% and 0.10%.
• Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
• On long trips, stop at least every 2 hours. If you feel tired, pull off and take a 15 to 20 minute nap, or find a place to sleep.
• Avoid late-night driving and share the driving with a companion.

Phones and other distractions

A distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or your mind off driving.

• No driver may use a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving or while stopped briefly in traffic (RSA 265:79-c): no texting, calls, internet, typing into a GPS or other device.
• Holding a phone near your ear while moving is presumed to be a call.
• Drivers 18 or older may use a hands-free or built-in device (one hand may activate it) and a non-cellular two-way radio with one hand.
• Drivers under 18 may not use any phone or device, even hands-free, except to report an emergency to 911 or a public safety agency.
• Also avoid arguments, eating, unbuckled children and loose pets (use a carrier or kennel).

Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving is deliberately doing something that puts people or property at risk: speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, poor signaling and ignoring signs and signals. Stay patient and courteous.

Emotions

Worry, excitement, fear, anger or depression can affect your driving. Calm down first (a short walk or nap helps), leave a few minutes early, or let someone else drive.

Hot vehicles

A parked car heats up immediately and reaches dangerous temperatures in minutes. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, check the back seat before locking up, and keep keys away from children.