Intersection caution — South Dakota Permit Test

Do not rely on other road users to obey traffic signals or signs; at all intersections, reduce speed and search for hazards.

A driver running the red light still hits you, even though the green was yours.

Do not rely on other road users to obey traffic control signal devices or signs.

At intersections, search for traffic control devices, oncoming and cross traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists, the roadway conditions, and areas of limited visibility.

A bush on the corner can hide a child on a bike until they are right in front of your bumper.

areas of limited visibility

Before moving after a stop at an intersection, the manual recommends looking left, then right, then left again.

Traffic from the left reaches you first, and a car can appear there while you were looking right.

It is recommended that you look left, then right, and then left again before entering the intersection.

Do not pull out in front of an approaching vehicle just because its turn signal is on; the driver may turn after passing you or may have forgotten to cancel the signal.

A driver whose blinker was left on from an earlier turn keeps coming straight into the side of your car.

Do not turn into a lane just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal active.

When crossing or entering traffic, you need a gap large enough to get across, turn into the right lane, and get up to speed; never assume another driver will give you space.

Pulling into a gap that is too small makes the oncoming driver brake hard or hit you broadside.

You will need a large enough gap to get the vehicle across the roadway, enough space to turn into the appropriate lane, and to get up to speed.

What should you do at every intersection, even with the right-of-way?

Reduce speed and search for hazards. A driver running the red light still hits you, even though the green was yours. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.39: “Do not rely on other road users to obey traffic control signal devices or signs.”