SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — As South Dakota braces for the incoming chill of winter, state officials are actively sending out reminders about the importance of preparing for winter weather driving. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and other agencies provide critical resources and advice to ensure driver safety as La Niña weather patterns are predicted to usher in colder and slightly wetter conditions this year.
Understanding the Weather Patterns
Kelly Serr from the National Weather Service in Aberdeen highlights the potential for an active winter season, despite the recent period of atypically warm and dry conditions. “Now, of course, it’s winter in South Dakota. We have hazards that we should expect. There’s going to be winter storms. There’s going to be snow,” said Serr, cautioning residents against complacency.
Snow Plow Operations and Driver Safety
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is gearing up for the snowfall, with its fleet of snow plows ready to keep the roads clear. However, they emphasize that plows typically operate from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with earlier starts at some locations, and that 24-hour operations are limited to the urban areas of Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
SDDOT Director of Operations Craig Smith discusses these preparations, “Being a rural state, we do not run 24-hour operations with our snow plows. Typically, our normal, standard hours of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In some locations, some shops, we’re starting a little earlier at 4:00 a.m.”
Implementing Variable Speed Limits
Perhaps the most notable development this year is the implementation of variable speed limits on Interstate 29 between Brookings and Flandreau. This measure is intended to align traffic speeds with prevailing road conditions, thus reducing the risk posed by speed differentials among drivers.
Smith elaborates: “Speed can be an issue when we’ve got poor conditions on the slick roads…if you have some drivers that continue to drive 75 or 80, but others are driving 60, just that speed differential also introduces a safety concern.”
Staying Informed: Essential Tools for Drivers
The SD511 app and hotline remain vital tools for South Dakotans seeking real-time updates on road conditions. The SDDOT urges residents to utilize these resources as part of their winter travel plans.
Ensuring Public and Plow Safety
Major Austin Schmitz of the South Dakota Highway Patrol advises motorists to adjust their driving behaviors in adverse conditions to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of road personnel. “The plow drivers and our troopers are out there alongside the road, usually investigating crashes. So, we just want to ask the public to slow down and watch for our people out there,” warns Schmitz.
By staying informed and exercising caution, South Dakotans can navigate the challenges of winter driving safely. As the state welcomes this seasonal shift, collective vigilance and preparedness will help mitigate the impact of La Niña’s forecasted effects.