Distracted, aggressive and drowsy driving

Key points

1. There are three main types of distraction: visual, manual and cognitive.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “There are three main types of distraction:”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 63

2. Nebraska recorded 4,699 distracted driving crashes, injuring 1,546 and killing 19.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Nebraska recorded 4,699 distracted driving crashes injuring 1,546 and causing 19 fatalities.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

3. Drivers using handheld phones are 4 times more likely to crash and injure themselves.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Drivers who use handheld cell phones are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

4. Texting increases crash risk by 23 times.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Studies reveal that text messaging increases a driver's crash risk by 23 times.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

5. A text takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

6. During a phone conversation, the brain area that processes moving images has 37% less capacity for driving data.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “has 37% less capacity to gather and process critical driving data and instead focuses on the cell phone conversation.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 64

7. Tailgating, cutting off drivers, running red lights and failing to yield are aggressive driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “Examples of aggressive driving include, but are not limited to: tailgating, cutting off other drivers, running red lights and failing to yield to other vehicles.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 65

8. If you are drowsy, pull over and nap; as little as 10 to 20 minutes of sleep helps.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “If you are drowsy, don’t drive. Pull over to a safe area as soon as you can and take a short nap. As little as 10-20 minutes of sleep can make a big difference.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 65

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. By how much does text messaging increase crash risk, according to studies cited in the Nebraska manual?

   1. Twice
   2. No measurable change
   3. 23 times
   4. Half
   Show answer

   23 times. Studies reveal that text messaging increases a driver's crash risk by 23 times, and sending or receiving a text takes the eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, a football field at 55 mph driven blindfolded. The fine for texting and driving in Nebraska is $200 to $500. Hands free phones do not remove the distraction, because the conversation itself is the danger.

2. 2. How long does sending or receiving a text take a driver's eyes off the road, according to the Nebraska manual?

   1. Less than half a second
   2. An average of 4.6 seconds, a football field at 55 mph
   3. About 30 seconds
   4. About 10 seconds
   Show answer

   An average of 4.6 seconds, a football field at 55 mph. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent at 55 mph of driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded. Texting involves visual, manual and cognitive distraction at once, which is why studies show it multiplies crash risk 23 times. Adjust controls, mirrors and the radio before you start driving.

3. 3. Which behavior is an example of aggressive driving?

   1. Waiting for a pedestrian to finish crossing
   2. Leaving a safe space before changing lanes
   3. Checking mirrors before entering an intersection
   4. Tailgating another vehicle
   Show answer

   Tailgating another vehicle. Tailgating is specifically listed as aggressive driving because it pressures the vehicle ahead and leaves too little room to stop. Cutting off another driver, running a red light, and failing to yield are also examples. The other choices describe defensive habits that reduce conflict and protect vulnerable road users. If anger is building, reduce interaction, allow space, and focus on a predictable path rather than competing with other traffic.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 5: Special Driving Conditions. 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.