Winter Driving in South Dakota

This information was provided as a public service by the SD Department of Transportation.  I would like to share it with you. 

Should I Travel? 
Pay attention to travel advisories and weather warnings.  Call 511 from any South Dakota mobile phone or land line.  Get condition reports from 511 seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  You can also visit www.safetravelusa.com for road conditions.  While traveling on Interstate 90 look for messages on the electronic message signs.

Weather Warnings
Winter Storm Watch- indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
Winter Storm Warning- indicates that severe winter weather conditions are confirmed for your area.
Blizzard Warning-  means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35mph are expected for several hours.

Winter Storms
Be prepared:
*Carry a charged cell phone.
*Carry a winter travel survival kit
*Let someone know when you depart, your route and expected arrival time.
*Dress according to the weather conditions.
*Keep dry and wear clothing in layers.
*Fill your fuel tank before you leave.
*Check road conditions and weather forecasts

If Stranded In A Storm
*Stay with your vehicle
*Use your mobile phone to call 911.  Be aware of your location and situation.
*Put all your emergency supplies by you.
*Check your supplies to see what you have and arrange in order of their use. 
*Run the engine sparingly.  15 minutes every hour is a good rule of thumb.

Ice Storms
These don't happen as often in South Dakota, but are just as dangerous.
*Don't drive in freezing rain.
*Your windshield washer fluid and defroster will not keep the rain from freezing on the windshield.
*If freezing rain starts while you are driving, get off at a safe place and wait for the storm to pass.
*Remember to contact someone ad let them know where you have stopped.

More information to come in the next blog.  Be Safe, Be Smart!  Don't think it can't happen to you, it can because mother nature doesn't discriminate!