Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Distracted Driving

Driving requires your full attention. Being alert is essential to safe driving. Avoid these distractions:

• It is illegal for drivers under 18 to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving. Turn it off or put it in the back seat.
• Drivers 18 and older must use a hands-free accessory requiring only minimal finger use to activate or deactivate it.
• It is illegal to have a TV, tablet, or other video display visible to the driver.
• It is illegal to play a radio or sound system loud enough to be heard 50 feet away, since you need to hear horns, screeching tires, and sirens.
• Avoid any activity that takes your eyes off the road, such as removing clothing, applying makeup, texting, reading, or eating.
• Do not hold a person, pet, or package in your lap or arms. If you need to attend to passengers, children, or pets, pull over and park first.

Road Rage

Angry or aggressive behavior by other drivers is often called "road rage," and can include illegal, unsafe, or threatening driving, shouting, and rude gestures. If you see an aggressive driver, stay out of the way. Do not challenge them by speeding up or trying to out-drive them.

Fatigue and Drowsy Driving

Yawning, head nodding, heavy eyelids, blurred vision, and drifting out of your lane can mean you are falling asleep at the wheel. When tired, you react more slowly and are less aware of changing conditions. Be well rested before and during travel, and take breaks if you feel tired.

Things that may help you stay awake:

• Never try to push through to your destination. Find a safe place to stop and rest, or take a brisk walk.
• Drink water; dehydration can cause fatigue.
• Talk with a passenger to stay alert.
• Take turns driving so each driver can rest.
• Be aware that some medicines can make you drowsy.

Health and Hearing

Your health affects your ability to drive safely. If you're sick, consider whether you're really up to driving, especially on a long trip. Some medical conditions can cause confusion, decreased reaction time, or unexpected loss of consciousness; talk to your doctor about how your condition may affect driving.

Hearing is important too. Sound changes can warn you of road surface changes, engine problems, or a vehicle in your blind spot, and you need to hear approaching emergency vehicles. Do not use headphones that reduce your hearing while driving.

Impaired Driving

Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using other drugs. Alcohol and drugs affect your mental and physical abilities. If you drive while impaired, you could be arrested for DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants).

Alcohol is the most common drug involved in impaired driving, but marijuana impairment has also contributed to many Oregon collisions. Using them together can further reduce your ability to drive safely. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair driving too; ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, and arrange different transportation if you're unsure it's safe to drive.

Implied Consent: By driving in Oregon, you have agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test when asked by a police officer. Refusing may result in a fine and/or suspension of your driving privileges.

Open Container Law: It is illegal to have an open bottle or container of alcohol in a vehicle on any road. A container is considered open if its seal is broken, even if reclosed. Open containers should be kept in the trunk.

External Passengers

No one, regardless of age, should ride in a pickup bed or on any external part of a vehicle. Oregon law prohibits anyone under 18 from riding on the hood, fender, running board, or other external part of a vehicle, including a pickup bed.

You cannot carry a dog on an external part of a vehicle, including a pickup bed, unless it is protected by a framework, carrier, or other device to keep it from falling. Do not hold an animal in your lap or arms while driving.