Distractions, drowsy driving and road rage

Key points

1. An estimated 80 percent of collisions involve some form of driver inattention.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “An estimated 80 percent of collisions involve some form of driver inattention.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

2. Looking away from the road for 2 or more seconds doubles the chance of a crash.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “Looking away from the path of travel for two or more seconds doubles the likelihood of a crash.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 17

3. For teens, one teen passenger doubles the chance of a fatal crash, and 2 or more raise the risk by 300 percent.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “for teen drivers, the addition of just one teen passenger doubles the likelihood of experiencing a fatal crash. With two or more teen passengers, the risk of a fatal crash jumps by 300 percent.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

4. Using a cell phone raises the overall risk of a collision by 400 percent.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Overall risk of a collision while using a cell phone increases by 400 percent.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

5. Research shows no difference in risk between hand held and hands free phones.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “While a hands-free device may initially appear to be less distracting, research indicates no differences in risk between the two modes.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

6. Being awake 18 hours impairs you about like a .05 BAC; after 24 hours, like .10.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “Research shows that being awake for 18 hours produces impairment approximately equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05 percent. After 24 hours awake, the impairment rises to that roughly equal to a BAC of .10 percent.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 21

7. On long trips, stop for at least 10 minutes every 2 hours or every 100 miles.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “You should be able to drive a reasonable distance without difficulty if you stop for at least 10 minutes every two hours or every 100 miles”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

8. Resting is by far the most effective way to counter drowsiness.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Rest is the key. Remember, resting is by far the most effective way to counter drowsiness.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

9. Following too closely and blocking the passing lane are examples of aggressive driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “Blocking the passing lane (not yielding to someone wishing to pass). Tailgating (riding too close to the vehicle in front of you).”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 53

10. If an aggressive driver keeps following you, drive to the nearest police station or a busy place.

    Source: Handbook p. 54

    “If a driver continues to hassle or follow you, drive to the nearest police station or busy place to get help.”
    Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Rhode Island practice test

1. 1. According to the Rhode Island manual, how does a hands-free phone compare with a hand-held phone for crash risk?

   1. Research indicates no difference in risk between the two
   2. Hands-free is more dangerous
   3. Hands-free is far safer
   4. Hand-held is safer because the driver looks at the road
   Show answer

   Research indicates no difference in risk between the two. Some drivers choose a headset that removes the need to hold the phone. While a hands-free device may at first appear less distracting, the manual reports that research indicates no differences in risk between the two modes, because the conversation itself takes the driver's attention. Dialing adds the extra hazard of a hand off the wheel and eyes on the keypad. The safest choice is to let calls wait.

2. 2. Which of these does the Rhode Island manual give as an example of aggressive driving?

   1. Following too closely
   2. Signaling before every turn
   3. Keeping a four second gap
   4. Yielding to pedestrians
   Show answer

   Following too closely. Aggressive driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle in a pushy or bold manner. The manual's examples are exceeding the speed limit, following too closely, failing to obey traffic controls, and making improper turns and maneuvers. Signaling, keeping a safe gap and yielding are the opposite. Road rage is the extreme case, where a driver acts out anger toward another road user, and the manual advises staying out of it rather than responding.

3. 3. If an aggressive driver continues to hassle or follow you, where should you drive for help?

   1. Home, so the driver learns your address
   2. A deserted shoulder where the driver cannot see you
   3. The nearest police station or a busy place
   4. A faster lane where you can race away
   Show answer

   The nearest police station or a busy place. A driver who continues to hassle or follow you should be met with distance and public visibility, not a confrontation. The manual recommends driving to the nearest police station or busy place to get help. Going home reveals a private location, while a deserted shoulder removes witnesses and assistance. Keep doors locked, avoid eye contact, and do not make sudden braking or swerving moves while you choose a safe destination.

Source: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, II. Distractions, Drowsiness, and Emotions. 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.