Emergency Situations and Defensive Driving in Texas

1. What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Texas for operating a vehicle?


The legal blood alcohol limit in Texas for operating a vehicle is 0.08%.

2. What are the rules for passing a stopped school bus in Texas?


In Texas, drivers must stop and remain stopped until all children have crossed the road and the bus has been put in motion. The law applies to all vehicles when approaching a stopped school bus from either direction, but does not apply when traveling in the opposite direction of the stopped school bus on a highway divided by a physical barrier such as a concrete median or guardrail. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus on the right side regardless of the circumstances. Motorists who pass a stopped school bus on the left side may also be subject to fines and criminal penalties.

3. In what situations should a driver yield the right of way in Texas?


A driver should yield the right of way in Texas in the following situations:
1. At intersections with a yield sign.
2. When turning left at an intersection with no traffic signal or sign.
3. To pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
4. When entering a roundabout.
5. To emergency vehicles with sirens and/or flashing lights.
6. To approaching traffic when merging onto a roadway from an alley, driveway, or private road.
7. To a funeral procession or other parade that is being led by a police vehicle with flashing lights.

4. What is Texas’s distracted driving law?


Texas’s distracted driving law, commonly known as the “ban on texting while driving,” prohibits all drivers from operating a motor vehicle while composing, sending, reading, or sending a text message. The penalty for violating the law is a fine of up to $99 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses.

5. Is it legal to use a cell phone while driving in Texas?


No, it is not legal to use a cell phone while driving in Texas. The state has a statewide ban on texting while driving, as well as restrictions on using a hand-held device while driving. It is also illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving in certain cities, such as Austin and San Antonio.

6. When should a driver use high beams in Texas?


A driver should use high beams when driving on an unlit road, in sparsely populated areas, or when there is no one else on the road. High beams should be dimmed when approaching other drivers or when there is heavy traffic.

7. What is the speed limit on highways in Texas?


The speed limit on Texas highways varies depending on the type of highway and posted speed limit signs. Generally, the speed limit is 75 mph on non-urban freeways and 70 mph on urban freeways.

8. How long are drivers allowed to drive without taking a break in Texas?


In Texas, drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers operating CMVs are also required to take a break of at least 30 minutes after 8 consecutive hours of driving.

9. What should drivers do when approaching a railroad crossing in Texas?


When approaching a railroad crossing in Texas, drivers should reduce their speed, look and listen for trains, be prepared to stop, and always yield right of way to trains. Drivers should never try to beat a train to a crossing and must never drive around lowered gates.

10. How should drivers react if they encounter an aggressive driver on the road in Texas?


If a driver encounters an aggressive driver on the road in Texas, the best course of action is to stay calm, avoid eye contact, and maintain a safe distance. If the other driver continues to drive aggressively, the safest thing to do is to pull off the road and call 911. The driver should be prepared to provide a description of the other vehicle and direction of travel.

11. How should drivers react to a flooded roadway in Texas?


Drivers should never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway in Texas. The depth of the water is not always known, and attempting to drive over a flooded roadway can be extremely dangerous. Additionally, vehicles can be easily swept away. Drivers should turn around and find an alternate route.

12. How can drivers prepare their vehicles for winter driving in Texas?


Drivers in Texas should prepare their vehicles for winter driving by:

1. Making sure to check all fluid levels, including oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid.

2. Ensuring their tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth.

3. Replacing worn wiper blades to ensure proper visibility in rainy or snowy conditions.

4. Installing snow tires or winter tires if extreme weather is expected.

5. Having an emergency kit in the car in case of a breakdown or other unexpected circumstance. This should include jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, blankets, and other essential items.

6. Having the vehicle serviced to check for any potential issues that could cause problems down the road.

13. What is the legal age for operating a vehicle in Texas?


The legal age for operating a vehicle in Texas is 18 years old.

14. What are the rules for stopping at a stop sign in Texas?


At a stop sign in Texas, drivers must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk and must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. Drivers must also check for traffic in all directions before proceeding.

15. Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection in Texas?


At an uncontrolled intersection in Texas, vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way. Drivers must yield to other traffic that has already entered the intersection and to pedestrians crossing the street.

16. What are the rules for using emergency lanes on highways in Texas?


In Texas, emergency lanes should be used only for genuine emergencies. If an emergency vehicle is approaching, you must move out of the emergency lane immediately and onto a main lane. The emergency lane should not be used for passing other vehicles, and drivers should not travel at speeds greater than the posted speed limit. Additionally, it is illegal to stop in the emergency lane.

17. How should drivers manage their speed on curvy roads in Texas?


Drivers should always be aware of their speed when driving on curvy roads and adjust it accordingly. Especially in Texas, drivers should be mindful of posted speed limits, as well as the potential for increased traffic on curvy roads. Drivers should also keep an eye out for wildlife that may be crossing the road and reduce their speed accordingly. Finally, drivers should take extra care when the roads become wet or icy, as reduced visibility and slippery surfaces can increase the risk of a crash.

18. What is the minimum age for having a learner’s permit in Texas?


The minimum age for having a learner’s permit in Texas is 15 years old.

19. What is the rule for yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks in Texas?


In Texas, drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at a crosswalk. Drivers must also come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is crossing in the middle of the road, regardless of whether or not there is a crosswalk.

20. When should drivers use headlights during daylight hours in Texas?


Texas law requires drivers to use headlights during any time of day when visibility is reduced due to weather or other factors. This includes fog, rain, snow, smoke, and dust storms.