South Dakota Winter Driving Tips: Snowplows, Closed Roads and Deer

How to drive on snow and ice in South Dakota

• Take extra care in the first storm of the season. Most drivers have forgotten their winter skills by then, so go slowly and leave more following distance.
• Drive well below the posted speed limit. Posted limits are meant for summer months on dry pavement. Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet or ice.
• Brake lightly by gently pumping the brakes, and avoid sudden, sharp turns. In a hard stop with anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal as hard as you can and keep the pressure on.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads. Try our free question on speed control on packed snow.
• Before you drive, clear snow, ice and frost from all windows. Use antifreeze washer fluid when the temperature could fall below freezing.

How much following distance do you need on snow and ice?

Keep a minimum of 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front. To check it, count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a sign or pole until you reach the same point. On slippery roads you need more distance to stop, so leave more than 4 seconds.
State law (SDCL 32-26-40) says you may not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent for the speed, the traffic and the condition of the highway. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

How close can you follow a snowplow in South Dakota?

The manual says state law requires you to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on, on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or more. Snowplows are wide and often work very close to the center line. Their clouds of snow can block your view. Plows travel slowly, make wide turns and stop often, so slow down, give them as much room as possible and pass only with extreme caution. See our free question on following a plow on a 65 mph highway.

What happens if you drive on a closed road in South Dakota?

Under state law, the secretaries of transportation and public safety may close or restrict a state trunk highway when inclement weather makes it necessary for public safety. Notice can be barriers, media warnings, signs, warning devices or flaggers.
To ignore that notice is a Class 2 misdemeanor, and any unauthorized presence on a closed highway is evidence of a violation. After a knowing violation that leads to a rescue paid for by the state or a local government, the state can sue for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 plus the actual rescue cost, up to $10,000.

1. 1
   Check SD511

   SD511 is an interactive map of current road conditions in South Dakota. Dial 511 on your phone, visit sd511.org or download the SD511 app.

2. 2
   Plan your route and tell someone

   Plan your travel route, and tell someone your plans and the time you expect to arrive.

3. 3
   Pack an emergency kit

   Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case it breaks down.

4. 4
   Leave early and drive for the conditions

   Give yourself extra time, and turn your lights on, especially in blizzard conditions.

How to drive on gravel roads and rural bridges in South Dakota

• Gravel or dirt roads give less traction. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and expect that you may skid when you stop.
• Rural roads are often narrow, with ditches or drop-offs instead of shoulders. Slow down, center the vehicle in the lane and watch for oncoming traffic that may try to share your lane.
• At a narrow or single-lane bridge, look for the warning signs and take turns. Generally, the first driver to reach the bridge has the right-of-way.
• Open bridge gratings and steel bridges can reduce traction. Slow down, leave more space and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Trees, crops and steep hills can make blind corners. Where you cannot see far, reduce speed and be ready to stop.
• Some rural intersections have no yield or stop sign. Slow down and be ready to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic.

When are deer most dangerous on South Dakota roads?

Deer are the second most commonly struck object in South Dakota. October and November have the highest number of car and deer crashes, and deer are most active at dusk and dawn. If you see your headlights reflected in a deer's eyes at the roadside, slow down, blow the horn and be ready to stop. Always watch for more than one deer. Most crossings happen in rural areas, but deer also wander into towns and cities, and they can cross anywhere at any time. Try our free question on deer eyes at dusk.

Winter practice hours for South Dakota permit holders

A teen with an instruction permit must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving before applying for a restricted minor's permit. State law (SDCL 32-12-11) says 10 of those hours must be in inclement weather and at least 10 must be at night. A parent or legal guardian must confirm in writing that the teen met the permit requirements. For the other permit rules, see our guide to the South Dakota instruction permit.

South Dakota winter driving: common questions