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South Dakota driving lesson · Be in Shape to Drive

Distractions and aggressive driving

A 2-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Be in Shape to Drive
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
16

A distraction is anything that pulls your attention from driving: eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or your mind somewhere else. Mental distractions are just as dangerous as physical ones.

Distraction

Anything that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can cause crashes resulting in injury, death, or property damage.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Texting, reading texts, and social networking while driving are prohibited by state law.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Instruction and Restricted permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

While driving:

  • Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers
  • Avoid eating
  • Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up
  • Secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel
Handbook p. 16 ↗

Aggressive driving

When a driver intentionally commits an action that endangers other persons or property.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Behaviors typically linked to aggressive driving:

  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Improper signaling
  • Failing to obey traffic control devices (stop and yield signs, signals, railroad signals)
Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Concentrate on driving, and be patient and courteous to other road users. You are responsible for operating your vehicle safely.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Put it into practice

Your phone buzzes with a group chat while you're driving. Reading or answering it is illegal for every South Dakota driver, since texting, reading texts and social networking are banned. Let it wait until you're parked.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What does South Dakota law say about texting while driving?
  1. It is prohibited
  2. It is allowed below 25 mph
  3. It is allowed at stoplights only
  4. It is allowed if hands-free

Answer: It is prohibited

Texting, reading texts, and social networking while driving is prohibited by state law.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
Which of the following is defined as aggressive driving in the handbook?
  1. Any mistake that causes a near miss
  2. Driving while upset or angry
  3. An intentional act that endangers others
  4. Any use of the horn in traffic

Answer: An intentional act that endangers others

Aggressive driving occurs when a person intentionally commits an action that endangers other persons or property.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
Which behavior is specifically listed as an example of aggressive driving?
  1. Driving slower than traffic
  2. Using headlights in daytime
  3. Following too closely
  4. Stopping for a flashing red light

Answer: Following too closely

Following too closely is listed among behaviors typically associated with aggressive driving, along with speeding and unsafe lane changes.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
A distraction is best defined as what?
  1. Anything that takes your attention away from driving
  2. Only a loud noise inside the vehicle
  3. Only a passenger talking to you
  4. Only something that takes your hands off the wheel

Answer: Anything that takes your attention away from driving

The handbook defines a distraction as anything that takes your attention away from driving, including mental distractions.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
Mental activities that take your mind off driving are just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

The handbook states mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous as physical distractions.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
Instruction and Restricted permit holders are allowed to use a wireless communication device as long as it is hands-free.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Instruction and Restricted permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving, with no hands-free exception stated.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
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