South Dakota driving lesson · Special Driving Situations
Winter driving
A 3-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.
Each year numerous snowstorms drop several inches of snow on South Dakota. Winter driving calls for slower speeds, gentle inputs, extra planning, and plenty of room for snowplows.
Know the rule
"First is worst": in the season's first storm most drivers have forgotten their winter skills, driving too fast and stopping too quickly. Go slowly, increase following distance, drive defensively.
Drive well below the posted speed limit; posted limits are intended for summer months on dry pavement. Avoid sudden sharp turns, and brake lightly by gently pumping the brakes.
Snowplows are wide, often work very close to the center line, and throw up clouds of snow that cut visibility. Slow down and give them as much room as possible.
If you travel on a closed road and get stuck, emergency services may not reach you quickly, and you could be ticketed and held accountable for rescue costs.
You're following a plow with its amber lights on along a 55 mph highway, about 100 feet back, with snow flying. Drop back to at least 200 feet; that's the law on roads posted 35 mph or more.
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.
On roads posted 35 mph or more, how far behind a snowplow with its red or amber lights on must you stay?
At least 200 feet
At least 50 feet
At least 100 feet
At least 500 feet
Answer: At least 200 feet
On roads posted 35 mph or more, the law requires staying at least 200 feet behind a snowplow with its lights on.
