Distraction and impairment

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Your attention is the most important safety equipment. Alberta law limits device use, and new drivers have extra rules.

Key points

• No hand-held phone use, texting or device programming while driving, including at red lights.
• Set navigation before you start, or pull over to change it.
• Distracted driving brings a fine and three demerit points.
• Fatigue and some medications affect driving. Rest, or get another ride.

Law or advice?

Device rules are law. Planning breaks every couple of hours on long trips is good practice.

Example

Your phone buzzes at a red light. Leave it. If it's urgent, pull over and park first.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 90: Distracted driving.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Safe Driving

   You are stopped at a red light. May you send a text message?

   1. A. Yes, since the car is not moving
   2. B. Yes, if the message is short and your eyes stay up
   3. C. No, using a hand-held device while driving includes stopped in traffic
   4. D. Yes, if your supervisor allows it

   Show answer

   Answer: C. No, using a hand-held device while driving includes stopped in traffic

   Distracted driving laws apply while you are in control of the vehicle, including at red lights.

   Source: Government of Alberta: Texting at a red lightReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Safe Driving

   When is the best time to enter a destination into your navigation system?

   1. A. Before you start driving
   2. B. At a red light
   3. C. While driving on a straight road
   4. D. While going slowly

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Before you start driving

   Program navigation before you move so your attention stays on the road.

   Source: Government of Alberta: Programming navigationReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Safe Driving

   What is the minimum following distance in good conditions?

   1. A. Two seconds
   2. B. One second
   3. C. Five car lengths at any speed
   4. D. Half a second

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Two seconds

   Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 89: Two second minimum in good conditionsReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Safe Driving

   You begin to yawn often and drift in your lane. What should you do?

   1. A. Turn up the music
   2. B. Open the window and keep going
   3. C. Stop somewhere safe and rest
   4. D. Drive faster to get home

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Stop somewhere safe and rest

   Fatigue impairs driving. The only cure is rest.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 107: Fatigue warning signsReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Safe Driving

   Before you start driving, how should your seat be adjusted?

   1. A. As far back as possible, for comfort on long drives across the province
   2. B. So you can reach the pedals fully and hold the wheel with bent arms
   3. C. As close as possible to the wheel
   4. D. In any position, if you can see

   Show answer

   Answer: B. So you can reach the pedals fully and hold the wheel with bent arms

   A proper seat position gives you full control of the pedals and steering wheel.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 44: Seat and pedal positionReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Safe Driving

   Your medication label says it may cause drowsiness. What should you do?

   1. A. Drive normally, since it was prescribed
   2. B. Drink coffee to stay alert while driving
   3. C. Do not drive until you know how it affects you
   4. D. Drive, but only on short local trips

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Do not drive until you know how it affects you

   Some medications impair driving. Follow warnings and ask a pharmacist.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 107: Medication impairmentReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Merging, exiting and passing. Highway driving is about matching speed and planning lane moves early.