Winter Driving Reminders and Tips
Lennox, SD - - With the recent arrival of winter weather, the South Dakota Department of Transportation would like to offer reminders and tips to travelers. Please keep the following in mind regarding snowplow drivers who are working hard to improve road conditions:
- Turn on your headlights. Snowplow drivers and other travelers can see you much easier with your headlights on.
- Do not follow a snowplow too closely. Usually, a snowplow can stop faster than a car can.
- Do not pass a snowplow unless you have a clear view. Whenever possible snowplow drivers will pull over to the side of the road in a safe spot so that vehicles can pass.
- Keep in mind that snowplows operate at a top speed of 25-30 mph.
- Snowplows do not operate 24 hours per day.
- Darkness reduces visibility, so it is more dangerous to plow snow during the nighttime hours. Frequently snowplows will be pulled in at dark.
- When reduced visibility turns snowplows into hazards or obstacles, they are pulled off the roads. Plowing will resume once visibility improves.
- Snowplow drivers are trained to respond to accidents, but they cannot provide towing services to motorists.
- Give snowplow drivers a break. Operating heavy equipment with limited visibility is a very demanding job. Snowplow drivers are doing the best they can give the adverse conditions.
In addition to the above, other winter driving tips travelers should keep in mind are:
- Do not use cruise control when snowy or icy road conditions exist.
- Reduce speed to match road conditions. Overdriving road conditions are a common cause of accidents.
- If the Interstate is closed because of weather conditions, do not travel on secondary roads. Usually, the secondary roads are in no better condition for traveling.
- Tune to your local radio station or the Department of Transportation’s web site for road and weather condition reports. The Department of Transportation’s road conditions report can be found at www.sddot.com/Operations/road_condition_report/index.htm
- Dial #SAFE (#7233) from any cell phone for road condition and weather information for major routes in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The "#" key must be dialed before the four-digit number, which spells "SAFE".
- Make sure your vehicle has been prepared for winter driving. Check fluid levels, defroster, heater, tires, and windshield wipers.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Travel with an emergency kit. Items to include are a shovel, sand, salt, tow chain, flashlight, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and footwear, emergency food pack, booster cables, ice scraper and brush, road maps, first-aid kit, matches, candle, fire extinguisher, antifreeze, and a blanket.
- If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle.
- Carry a cell phone, but keep in mind that a cell phone does not make traveling in winter weather safe.
Be safe and make sure you drive to arrive! Your safety is our number one concern! If you need assistance, please call our non-emergency number (605)-647-5299 or if it is an emergency call 911.
Thanks for driving safely!!