For Immediate Release: Sunday, December 1, 2019

Contact: Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, Kristi.sandal@state.sd.us

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety have opened the closed portion of Interstate 90 (Wyoming border to Chamberlain) in both directions.

Officials are advising motorists that even though the interstate is open, driving conditions are still hazardous throughout much of the state and there are still No Travel Advisories posted on numerous highways, especially in the southeast part of the state, including I-90.

Roadways across the state are ice covered, snow-packed and slippery. Due to 40 plus mph winds across the state, there is heavy drifting, especially at bridge ends and in sheltered areas.

Motorists travelling today are asked to use extreme caution, take your time, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt (all occupants), keep the cruise off, be prepared for changing conditions, and allow extra space between you and the car in front of you.

SDDOT snowplows crews are out working and motorists are reminded plows travel at 25 mph or less and to stay eight car lengths behind the plow to allow ample stopping time on icy roadways. Never pass in a snow cloud and the safest place is behind the plow, they are clearing the road in front of you.

Be sure to visit www.safetravelusa.com/sd or call 511 to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out. There is also an app (SDDOT 511) available for Android and iOS devices. Sign up for ClearPath511 for closure notifications by text message or email.

If you must travel, the departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend travelers also take the following steps.

• Wear your seatbelt
• Travel during the day
• Drive with your headlights on (not daytime running lights) so you can be seen by other motorists from the front and rear
• Don’t use cruise control on icy or snow-covered roads
• Use highly traveled roads and highways
• Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route
• Call 511 or visit safetravelusa.com/sd for road conditions
• Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car.  The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches
• Travel with a charged cell phone, but don’t rely on it to get you out of a bad situation

§    Change travel plans as weather conditions warrant

If you do get stranded:

§    Stay in your vehicle

• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes an hour to stay warm
• When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  Periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe will also help prevent carbon monoxide buildup
• When it’s dark outside, turn on the interior light so rescuers can see you
• Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers

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