Slippery Roads Lead to Over 40 Car Crashes in Sioux Falls

The roads in Sioux Falls the past few days have been virtual ice skating rinks thanks to the combination of slightly warmer temps, all the melting, fog, and additional moisture in the form of drizzle and rain we've been experiencing here in the Sioux Empire.

Slick doesn't even begin to describe some of the intersections and side streets since Wednesday. It appears these icy conditions will present problems for Sioux Falls drivers for at least the next few days as treacherous conditions will continue to prevail throughout the area.

One thing is for certain, the slick streets have definitely kept Sioux Falls finest on their toes. Dakota News Now reports there were 39 different car-related accidents reported in the city on Thursday morning between 5:00 and 9:00 AM alone. And an additional 30 accidents on Wednesday, (January 24).

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Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department told Dakota News Now, “Weather is the big factor in this. What it comes down to is that people just aren’t slowing down.”

Clemens recommends that residents get into the habit of leaving extra early and remembering to leave extra distance between you and other cars on the road.

The single most important thing you can do is ...slow down and be extra cautious when the roads and highways are expected to be especially icy.

According to the folks with IcyRoadsafety.com, slowing down is vital for all motorists when driving on ice and snow-covered roads. They recommend never driving faster than 45mph in any vehicle when the conditions are expected to be icy.

Often times much slower speeds might be necessary.

Be advised, it's possible to slide off the road on black ice when only traveling at 10mph or less.

Another very important safe winter driving tip is to always remember to wear a seatbelt and go easy on your breaks. ABS (antilock brakes) do not work well on ice and snow and often will lock up your wheels in icy conditions.

IcyRoadSafety.com offers several common sense practices to employ when driving in icy, snow-covered conditions. You can see them all here.

Source: Dakota News Now/IcyRoadSafety.com

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

Gallery Credit: RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS