South Dakota · Handbook chapter 3 · 3 min read

Vision and hearing, fatigue, distractions, aggressive driving, emotions and health conditions that affect South Dakota drivers.

Why this chapter matters

Driving is one of the riskiest things most people ever do. Your eyes, your alertness and your mood all decide how quickly you notice trouble and how well you respond.

Vision

• South Dakota requires a vision test before you are licensed: 20/40 or better with both eyes and no worse than 20/50 in either eye for a license without restrictions.
• Side vision lets you spot trouble at the edges, but you still need to check mirrors and glance to the side.
• Judging distance and speed takes practice, especially when merging, passing on two-lane roads or judging a train.
• Many people see poorly at night or struggle with glare.
• If your license requires corrective lenses, always wear them. Do not wear dark or tinted lenses at night, and keep a spare pair in the car.

Hearing

Horns, sirens and screeching tires warn of danger. Drivers with hearing loss can drive safely by relying more on their eyes, and their records are as good as other drivers'.

Fatigue

Tiredness slows decisions and blurs vision. Before a trip:

• Sleep 7 to 9 hours.
• Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours.
• Bring a companion and check medicine labels for drowsiness.

If you feel tired on the road, pull off at the next exit or rest area for a 15 to 20 minute nap, or stop for the night. Caffeine just before a short nap gives the benefit of both.

Distractions

• Texting, reading texts and social networking while driving are prohibited by state law.
• Instruction and restricted permit holders may not use any wireless device at all.
• Avoid arguments, eating and loose pets. Make sure children are buckled.
• Mental distraction is as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road.

Aggressive driving and emotions

Aggressive driving means deliberately endangering others: speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, not signaling and ignoring signs and signals. Be patient.

If you are angry or upset, give yourself time to cool off before driving. If you are impatient, leave earlier so you are not tempted to speed. Never drive around lowered railroad gates or try to beat a train.

Health

Even a cold or a stiff neck can affect your driving. Diabetics who use insulin should not drive when there is any chance of a reaction, and people with heart conditions should ask a doctor whether they can drive safely. Epilepsy under medical control is generally not dangerous.