Drowsiness or unawareness can be brought on by reduced activity and the steady sounds of the wind, engine, and tire hum. This is known as "Highway hypnosis." Highway hypnosis can be combated by drivers continuing to move their eyes while driving and by stopping to stretch every 100 miles, even if they don't feel tired. To be safe, drivers should only drive for a maximum of eight hours in one day.

A sign with a red circle and slash over a symbol indicates that the action represented by the symbol (in this example, a right turn) is not allowed.

When intending to back up, always check behind your vehicle before getting in. Children and small objects are difficult to see from the driver’s seat. While backing, turn your head so you can see through the rear window. Do not depend only on your mirrors or sensors.

Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk of death or injury while driving.

When you see any signs indicating a nearby railroad crossing, you should slow down, look for a train, and be ready to stop. If the red warning lights are flashing or the gate is down, you must stop 15 to 50 feet before the railroad tracks. Do not try to go around the gate.

Return to the right lane when you can see the entire vehicle you have just passed in your rearview mirror. Use your right turn signal before returning to the right lane.

Some regulatory signs prohibit certain actions. These signs are rectangular and white with red and black markings. A red circle and slash on top of a black symbol indicates that the specified action is forbidden.

When approaching a flashing red signal, you must stop and yield to all traffic that does not have to stop.

When approaching a railroad crossing, you must stop your vehicle no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail if an installed electric or mechanical signal is giving warning of an approaching train. Be aware of other warning signs that may indicate an oncoming train, including seeing a lowered crossing gate or hearing an oncoming train.

Entrance ramps for highways often have acceleration lanes. When merging with traffic from an acceleration lane, you should put your signal on, look for an opening in traffic, accelerate up to the speed of traffic, and merge into an opening in traffic.

This sign indicates that the road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves.

Before changing lanes, you should look in your rearview and side mirrors to make sure no one is trying to pass you. You should also look over your shoulder to make sure that no one is in your blind spot.

The slow-moving vehicle symbol is a reflective orange triangle. Expect vehicles using this emblem to be driving at speeds of 25 mph or slower.

It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle passenger area located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is stopped, parked, or being operated. Conviction of this offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

You must yield the right-of-way to any emergency vehicle that is using its siren or flashing lights.

You should increase your following distance when you are behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision, when driving in bad weather or heavy traffic, when exiting an expressway, when behind a motorcycle or bicycle, and if someone is tailgating you.

When you leave your vehicle unattended, you must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key from the ignition, and set the parking brake.

Railroad crossing warning signs are used to warn drivers of the possibility of a train. Drivers should obey all railroad crossing warning signs and never go around barriers or disregard the warning sign.

Stop lines are solid white lines painted across traffic lanes at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks. They indicate the exact location at which approaching drivers must stop.

A solid red arrow in a traffic signal means the same thing as a circular red traffic light. When an arrow is red, traffic in the indicated lane must stop and may not turn in the direction that the arrow is pointing.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign warns drivers that they are approaching a winding road and that they should adjust their speed accordingly.

Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that puts not only you and your passengers in danger, but also endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists sharing the road. Focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes.

It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device. If your cell phone rings, do not answer the call or respond to the text message. Convictions for violations of this law are subject to fines.

If you are driving past an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road, you must vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle. If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down.

Warning signs alert drivers to conditions that are immediately ahead and tell them what to look for. When encountering a warning sign, drivers should pay attention to their surroundings, follow instructions provided by the sign, and reduce their speed, if recommended.

Driving While Intoxicated is a problem affecting all Texans. Alcohol-related crashes represent 29 percent of the total number of persons killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

Do not drive in someone else’s blind spot. Move forward or drop back so that the other driver can see you.

When passing a vehicle that has just parked parallel to the road, you should assume the driver will open the door as you approach. Use extra caution when driving near parked vehicles.

White lines separate lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. Dashed white lines may be crossed to pass or change lanes, if it is safe to do so.

Parking in the striped areas next to disabled parking spaces is prohibited. These spaces are reserved for wheelchair lifts.