Phones, distractions, fatigue and road rage

Key points

1. Texting is by far the highest risk distraction because it takes visual, manual and mental attention.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most high risk distraction.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 92

2. It is against the law for anyone to read, write or send a text or electronic message while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “It is against the law for any person to read, write, or send a text message or electronic message while operating a vehicle.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 92

3. While the vehicle is moving, you may not hold or support a phone with any part of your body.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Physically holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 93

4. Hands free phone calls are allowed, such as through a built in speaker, Bluetooth or a headset.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Talk on the phone, hands-free, utilizing features like built-in phone speaker, in-car Bluetooth, or ear bud/headset”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 93

5. Adjust mirrors, seat, radio and climate controls before you start driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “Adjust vehicle’s controls (climate controls, mirrors, radio, seat, etc.) before you begin to drive.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 92

6. Never let a pet sit on your lap while you drive.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “Never allow your pet to sit on your lap while you are driving your vehicle.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 92

7. When you feel sleepy, pull off at the nearest rest stop or service area and nap if you need to.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “When you feel sleepy, pull off the highway at the nearest rest stop or service area. If you are really sleepy, take a nap.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 40

8. Road rage is an uncontrolled display of anger by a driver, usually in response to another driver's actions.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Road rage is an uncontrolled display of anger by the operator of a motor vehicle (usually in response to another driver’s actions)”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 34

9. If you face road rage, stay calm and do not react the same way.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Remain calm and do not react with similar behavior.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 34

10. To report it, exit the road to a safe area and dial *55, or 911 in a metropolitan area.

    Source: Handbook p. 34

    “If you have a cellular phone, exit the roadway to a safe area and dial *55 (or 911 if you are in a metropolitan area).”
    Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 34

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Missouri practice test

1. 1. When confronted by another driver displaying road rage, the safest response is to:

   1. Chase the vehicle to report it immediately
   2. Remain calm and avoid reacting with similar behavior
   3. Use the horn repeatedly to challenge the driver
   4. Brake suddenly to force the driver to stop
   Show answer

   Remain calm and avoid reacting with similar behavior. Road rage can turn a disagreement into a crash or assault. Keep your behavior controlled and do not answer aggression with aggression. Chasing, repeated horn use, or sudden braking brings the other driver closer and may intensify the encounter. Leave space, avoid eye contact, and allow the aggressive vehicle to get away when possible. If the situation remains threatening, drive to a populated location or contact authorities when you can do so safely. Calm distance is the useful cue.

2. 2. Which behavior does the Missouri guide list as an example of road rage?

   1. Slowing down to let a merging car in
   2. Keeping a four second gap
   3. Signaling early before a turn
   4. Flashing the headlights or pursuing another vehicle
   Show answer

   Flashing the headlights or pursuing another vehicle. Drivers prone to road rage are usually aggressive individuals who fail to follow courteous driving practices. The guide's examples of road rage behavior include beeping the horn, pursuing another vehicle, and flashing the headlights, along with other actions meant to intimidate. Letting a car merge, signaling early and keeping a safe gap are courteous practices. If another driver shows road rage, do not respond in kind and give them room.

3. 3. Why is continuing to drive while feeling tired especially dangerous?

   1. Fatigue makes decisions and reactions harder and may lead to falling asleep
   2. Fatigue only changes the vehicle's fuel consumption
   3. Fatigue improves concentration on long, repetitive roads
   4. Fatigue is harmless if the driver opens a window
   Show answer

   Fatigue makes decisions and reactions harder and may lead to falling asleep. The guide warns that tiredness makes it harder to make decisions and react to traffic, and a driver may fall asleep at the wheel. Opening a window or relying on the length of the trip does not remove that impairment. Fatigue is a safety problem, not a fuel-economy issue. The practical response is to pull off at the nearest rest stop or service area, and take a nap if needed. Treat heavy eyelids, missed signs, or drifting attention as a signal to stop driving.

Source: the Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 16: Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.