Driver Guide

When confronted with any of the behaviors associated with road rage, 
you should try to . . .
•   Remain calm and do not react with similar behavior.
•    Identify the location (for example: intersection, mile marker, direction the 
vehicle was traveling, etc.).
•   Get a physical description of the driver.
•    Get a description of the vehicle (approximate year, make, model, color, 
license plate number, etc.).
•   Report the incident to the nearest local authorities as soon as possible.
•    If you have a cellular phone, exit the roadway to a safe area and dial *55 
(or 911 if you are in a metropolitan area).
DRUNK DRIVERS
If you believe you have seen a drunk driver, tell the police immediately.  
You may be saving someone’s life.  Helpful information to provide the 
officer includes the license plate number of the vehicle, a physical 
description of the car and driver, and the vehicle’s location.
ABOUT LITTERING
Littering is against the law.  It is unsightly and may 
cause a traffic crash.  For example, a lit cigarette 
thrown out a car window can be blown into the 
vehicle behind you, causing property damage or 
personal injury.
If a judge finds you guilty of littering, you may have 
to pay up to a $1,000 fine and/or spend up to one year in jail.
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USE SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS
Before you drive, always fasten your seat belt(s) and make sure all your 
passengers are using seat belts or child restraints.  Studies have shown 
that if you use seat belts, your chances of being hurt or killed in a traffic 
crash are greatly reduced.
Seat belts should always be worn with the lap belt low and snug across the 
hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.  Shoulder belts should never 
be placed under the arm or behind the back.  If your vehicle has a two-part 
seat belt system, be sure to wear both the lap and shoulder belt.
Seat belts should be worn even if your vehicle is equipped with air 
bags.  While air bags are good protection against hitting the steering 
wheel, dashboard, or windshield, they do not protect you if you are hit from 
the side or rear, or if the vehicle rolls over.  An air bag will not keep you 
behind the wheel in these situations.  
An unrestrained or improperly restrained occupant can be seriously injured 
or killed by a deploying air bag.  The National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration recommends drivers sit with at least 10 inches between the 
center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel.  Children 
12 and under should always ride properly restrained in a rear seat.  Never 
put a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of a vehicle with a front 
passenger air bag.
If you need more information about child seat safety, contact: Department 
of Transportation, Highway Safety Division, web site:  http://www.modot.gov/; 
phone: (800) 800-BELT.
SEAT BELTS — IT’S THE LAW
Missouri law requires the operator and front seat 
occupants of all passenger vehicles to wear a 
properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.  However, 
ALL passengers accompanying an intermediate 
driver license holder must be properly restrained.
CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT LAW 
The law requires children of certain ages, weights 
and heights to be restrained by a child passenger 
restraint system, booster seat or safety belt when 
transported in any motor vehicle other than a public 
carrier for hire or school bus.
AGE, WEIGHT AND HEIGHT CLASSIFICATIONS 
•   LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD — Children less than four years old, 
regardless of weight, shall be secured in a child passenger restraint 
system appropriate for that child.
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CHAPTER 8 — SAFE DRIVING TIPS 
FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING

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•  LESS THAN 40 POUNDS — Children weighing less than 40 pounds, 
  regardless of age, shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system 
  appropriate for that child.
•  LESS THAN 8 YEARS OLD or 80 POUNDS OR UNDER 4’9” —  
 
  Children at least four years of age but less than eight years of age, who  
  also weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds, and are also less 
  than 4’9” tall shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system or  
  booster seat appropriate for that child.
•  CHILDREN AT LEAST 8 YEARS OLD,  GREATER THAN 80 POUNDS
  OR TALLER THAN 4’9” — Children at least 8 years old, at least 80   
  pounds or children more than 4’9” tall shall be secured by a vehicle    
  safety belt or booster seat appropriate for that child.
For more information on the Booster Seat Law refer to the Department of 
Transportation web site: http://www.modot.org/boosterseats/.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
To avoid making mistakes, or being in a crash because of someone else’s 
mistake, you must drive defensively.  As a defensive driver you should:
•    Keep your eyes moving.  Notice what is happening ahead of you and on 
the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every 
few seconds.  Pay special attention to oncoming vehicles.  Many head-
on collisions occur by distracted drivers crossing the centerline.
•    Expect other drivers to make mistakes, and think what you would do 
if a mistake does happen.  For example, do not assume that a vehicle 
coming to a stop sign is going to stop.  Be ready to react if it does not 
stop.  Never cause a crash on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another 
vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.
•    Do not rely on traffic signals or signs to keep others from crossing in 
front of you.  Some drivers may not obey traffic signals or signs.  At an 
intersection, look to the left and right, even if other traffic has a red light 
or a stop sign.
PROPER POSTURE WHILE DRIVING
The way you sit and hold the steering wheel affects your driving.  Good 
posture can help you stay alert and in full control of your vehicle.  
•   Sit with your back straight, upright, and relaxed against the seat.
•    Move your seat close enough so you can easily reach the pedals but 
far enough away that your elbows are in front of you when you hold the 
steering wheel. 
•    Keep both feet within reach of the floor controls.
•    Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
STEERING
Use a proper grip.  Place your left hand between the 7 & 9 o’clock positions 
and your right hand between the 3 & 5 o’clock positions on the steering 
wheel.  This position is comfortable and allows you to make most turns 
without taking your hands off the wheel.

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