Distractions, Fatigue, Animals and Mountain Roads

Key points

1. If a distraction or problem arises, pull over to the side of the road and take care of it.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “If you have a problem or there is a distraction, immediately pull over to the side of the roadway and take care of the problem.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 56

2. A texting conviction is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $100.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “A person convicted of a texting violation is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 59

3. Plan to stop every 2 hours during long trips to take a break.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “Plan to stop every two hours during long trips to take a break from driving.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

4. If you feel tired, stop driving and take a 20 minute nap or find a place to sleep.

   Source: Handbook p. 58

   “If you start to feel tired, stop driving, pull off at an exit or rest area and take a 20-minute power nap”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 58

5. Take extra care at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “Using caution when driving at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 56

6. On a narrow mountain road, drivers going downhill must yield to vehicles going uphill.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “You must yield to vehicles going uphill if traveling downhill on a narrow road.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 60

7. Sound the horn when approaching a sharp curve on a narrow road with an obstructed view.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Sound the horn when approaching any sharp curve on a narrow road where the view is obstructed.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 60

8. Do not coast downhill in neutral or with the clutch disengaged.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 60

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Utah practice test

1. 1. What is the most a Utah driver may be fined for a first texting while driving conviction that causes no injury?

   1. $1,000
   2. There is no fine
   3. $25
   4. $100, as a Class C misdemeanor
   Show answer

   $100, as a Class C misdemeanor. Texting while driving is a criminal offense in Utah, not a simple ticket. Utah law (41-6a-1716) makes a texting violation a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100, and it becomes a Class B misdemeanor if the driver causes serious bodily injury through the prohibited device use. Officers may pull you over for texting on its own. The larger amounts and the no fine answer are wrong, and the real cost is the crash risk and the license suspension a judge can order.

2. 2. On a narrow Utah road with an obstructed view, what should you do when approaching a sharp curve?

   1. Speed up to get through the curve quickly
   2. Drive in the center of the road for a better view
   3. Flash your high beams instead of using the horn
   4. Sound the horn to warn drivers you cannot see
   Show answer

   Sound the horn to warn drivers you cannot see. When a sharp curve on a narrow road hides oncoming traffic, the handbook tells you to sound the horn as you approach so a driver you cannot see knows you are coming. Speeding into a blind curve and drifting to the center both put you in the path of that unseen vehicle, and headlight flashes are useless in daylight. Slow down, stay to the right, and use the horn where the view is obstructed.

3. 3. When does the Utah handbook say animals are most active on the road?

   1. At midday
   2. Only in winter
   3. At dawn and dusk
   4. Only during rain
   Show answer

   At dawn and dusk. Deer and other animals move most at dawn and dusk, which is also when light is poor and drivers see least, so the handbook lists using caution at dawn and dusk when animals are most active as the first way to reduce your chances of an animal collision. Midday, winter alone, and rain are not what the handbook singles out. Slow down where animal crossing signs are posted, and expect a second animal after the first one crosses.

Source: the Utah Driver Handbook, Section 11: Distractions and Driving Challenges. 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.