Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 14: Additional Safety Tips 

Texas Driver Handbook

Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles and Motor Assisted Scooters

A neighborhood electronic vehicle is defined as a vehicle subject to Federal Motor Safety Standard 500 with a top speed of 35 mph 

on a paved level surface.

A motor assisted scooter is defined as a self-propelled device with:

1.  At least two wheels in contact with the ground

2.  A braking system capable of stopping the device under normal operating conditions

3.  A gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cc

4.  A deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device, and

5.  The ability to be propelled by human power alone

Both vehicles may only be operated on a street or highway when the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less for a neighborhood elec-

tronic vehicle and 35 mph or less for a motor assisted scooter.

Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD)

EPAMD’s, such as a Segway, are defined as a two, non-tandem wheeled device designed for transport-

ing one person that is self-balancing and propelled by an electric propulsion system with an average 

power of 750 watts or one horsepower.

An EPAMD may be operated on:

1. A sidewalk

2. A path set aside for the exclusive operation of a bicycle

3. On a residential street, road, or public highway with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph only:

a. While making a direct crossing of a highway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk

b. Where no sidewalk is available, or

c. When so directed by a traffic control device or law enforcement officer

When operated on a public roadway, an EPAMD shall be ridden as close as practicable to the right-hand edge.

Speed Reduces Your Field of Vision

Stationary  

Field of vision is 180 

degrees or more

20 MPH  

Field of vision reduced 

to about 2/3

40 MPH  

Field of vision reduced 

to about 2/5

60 MPH  

Field of vision reduced 

to about 1/5

Your Keys to Safe Driving

• Good Vision

• Obey traffic laws

• Proper care of vehicle – Don’t depend on yearly inspections; perform regular maintenance as needed

• Courtesy – Safety comes before the right-of-way

• Proper Signaling – Failure to signal is dangerous and inconsiderate

• Fitness to drive  – Let someone else drive if you are not physically or mentally alert

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Chapter 14: Additional Safety Tips 

Texas Driver Handbook

Transporting Cargo and Materials

To prevent cargo or loose materials from falling or spilling from a car, truck, trailer, etc. onto the road and causing a crash or damage 

to the roads, drivers must comply with certain state requirements.

A vehicle must be equipped and maintained to prevent loose material from escaping by blowing or spilling and a vehicle bed must:

1. Not have a hole, crack, or other opening through which loose material can escape

2. Be enclosed by side panels and on the front by a panel or the vehicle cab

3. Be enclosed by a securely closed tailgate or panel on the rear to prevent spillage

4.  Cover the load securely at the front and back of the load, unless completely enclosed in a compartment or the load does not blow 

or spill over the load carrying compartment. 

No person shall load or transport any loose material on or over the public highways, such as dirt, sand, gravel, wood chips, or other 

material (except agricultural products in their natural state), capable of blowing or spilling from a vehicle unless:

1.  The bed carrying the load is completely enclosed on both sides and on the front and rear by a tailgate, board or panel; and all 

must be so constructed as to prevent the escape of any part of the load by blowing or spilling; and

2.  The top of the load is covered with a canvas, tarpaulin, or other covering firmly secured to the front and back to prevent the 

escape of the load because of blowing or spilling. This requirement does not apply to:

a.  Any load-carrying compartment that completely encloses the load; or

b.  The transporting of any load of loose materials not blowing or spilling over the top of the load-carrying, compartment.

Safety Chains

Safety chains are required when certain types of vehicles are towing trailers in order to prevent the trailer from breaking loose and 

causing a serious crash. A person may not drive a passenger car or light truck while towing a trailer, semi-trailer, or house trailer 

on a public highway in Texas unless safety chains are attached from a trailer, semi-trailer, or house trailer to the towing vehicle. 

The types of safety chains and the manner of attachment must be approved by DPS. The requirements of this law do not apply to a 

passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semi-trailer used for agricultural purposes or to any trailer or semi-trailer or house 

trailer operated in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Towing

When one vehicle is towing another, the drawbar, chain, rope, cable, or other connection must:

1. Not be longer than 15 feet from one vehicle to another

2. Be strong enough to pull all weight drawn

3. Attach a white flag not less than 12 inches square

4.  Not tow more than three vehicles attached to it by mounting the front wheels of trailing vehicles on the bed of another vehicle 

and leaving only the rear wheels in contact with the roadway

This limit does not apply to trailers transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other structures that cannot be easily dismembered. 

Carbon Monoxide

Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Cars produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly gas. Make sure you are getting plenty of 

fresh air.

Don’t:

1.  Leave the motor running in a garage

2.  Leave vents open when following closely behind another car

3.  Leave the motor running and the windows closed while the car is parked

4.  Drive with a defective muffler or exhaust system

5.  Use the heater or air conditioner in a parked car with the windows closed in an enclosed space

If you encounter a carbon monoxide poisoning victim, move them to fresh air and call 911.

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