Winter is Coming

Winter is coming. It's that time of year again. Living in South Dakota, we can expect to see inclement weather. The holiday season is also among us which means more travel in South Dakota. Although the South Dakota Highway Patrol is doing what it can to be proactive and prevent crashes, we would like to remind the residents and visitors of the State of South Dakota you are a key component in keeping yourself and the roads safe. Here are a few tips for travelers driving in winter weather conditions to help keep you safe and help join our mission to prevent crashes and injuries this holiday season:

1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt. It goes without saying but this is one of the most important tips. Crashes cannot always be prevented but injuries can be as long as you are doing everything you can to ensure your safety. Making the decision to put the seatbelt on is the one thing we all can have control over.
2. Check the Weather. Before you leave on a big trip check the weather to see what you might expect to run into on the way. For weather conditions in South Dakota, you can dial 5-1-1 for the most up-to-date information on road conditions. You can also refer to safetravelusa.com for information on road conditions.
3. Put Your Phone Down. Distracted driving is becoming more and more of a problem. If you need to divide your attention from driving, wait until you are in a safe place to stop and use your phone.
4. Don't Set the Cruise Control. Using the cruise control when the road is wet could cause you to hydroplane. Using the cruise control when the roads are slippery could cause unwanted movement of your vehicle as you are driving.
5. Watch Your Speed. Although we have posted speed limits, it's not always safe to drive those limits. These limits are safe at clear and ideal road and weather conditions. When these conditions change, such as when the road is slippery or wet, you may need to reevaluate what speeds the road and weather conditions will allow you to drive.
6. Don't Be In a Hurry. Give yourself extra travel time to get where you need to go in case you run into inclement weather conditions.
7. Defrost Your Windows. Give yourself the advantage to see what's in front of you and be sure that your windows and mirrors are clear of ice and snow.
8. Be Smart. We understand that the holidays are a time of celebration and family for a lot of people. We would like to remind you that if you decide to drink, don't drive.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol would like to thank you for your attentiveness and your role in helping to keep the roads safe. We wish you a happy holidays and a happy new year.

Written By: Trooper Tori Gordon and Trooper Weston Fischer