Winter Driving Safety Tips
With the prediction of a hazardous wind chill temps ahead it is important to remember safety on the roadways.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation reminds motorists to watch for snow plows and other snow fighting equipment. Motorists should avoid crowding, slow down to drive with the conditions, and know where the plow is on the road and in multi-lane traffic.
Drivers should be extremely tentative when passing a snow plow and never drive in whiteout conditions. Snow plows will pull over to allow traffic safe passage.
North Dakota also has a Move over Law requiring motorists to move over if approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder of a multi-lane road.
The NDDOT also wants to remind people that although snow plow crews work long days and holidays to keep the roads as safe as possible, it is still important for motorists to know road conditions and what to expect of the weather.
NDDOT workers strive to keep travelers informed in knowing that road conditions change very quickly to allow time for preparation of changing winter driving conditions.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services provides a detailed list of items to place in a survival kit for winter driving.
Items include a coffee can or other empty food can, a candle, a pocket knife, 3 pieces of bright cloth, several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. plastic spoons, packages of easy to eat high energy foods, a pair of socks, a pair of gloves, a hat, extra clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, matches, 2 large green or black plastic leaf bags, a first aid kit, toilet paper, ice scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope, jumper cables, road flares, a plastic whistle, and a phone charger.
FEMA also suggests emergency kits should include flashlights and extra batteries, a small tool kit, local maps, and a battery powered or hand crank radio.
The NDDOT says motorists can use the NDRoads smartphone app, the dot.nd.gov website, call 511, or sign up to receive important email and text alerts through GovDelivery by selecting Travel Advisories and Road Closures.
When the NDDOT issues travel warnings on state highways and interstates, they recommend the warning be taken seriously. There are three different warning categories.
A "travel alert" suggests motorists can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving conditions.
A "no travel advisory" means motorists should not travel due to hazardous conditions which make it unsafe to travel.
A "road closed or blocked" means motorists are not allowed to travel on closed roads due to life threatening conditions.
For more information on winter driving safety and road condition information to keep families safe this holiday season visit www. dot.nd.gov.