The United States Department of Transportation has unveiled a new website dedicated to the emerging problem of "distracted driving."  The new site features some great statistics and information about how dangerous distracted driving can really be.  I would encourage everyone to explore the new website, and see for yourself how dangerous "dialing and driving" can be.  Feel free to visit it here. - 1 - 10

A winter storm is expected to develop over South Dakota this evening, and will continue into Thursday morning.  We can expect two to five inches of snow, and winds up to 40 mph.  This will create dangerous travel conditions across the state.  Plus, temperatures will fall well below zero in many areas of the state. 

The SD Departments of Public Safety and Transportation have advised travelers to take the following safety precautions:

1.    Wear your seatbelt.

2.    Travel during the day and on well-travelled roads and highways if possible.

3.    Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route.

4.    Call 511 or visit safetravelusa.com for road conditions.

5.    Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car.  This kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water,  energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel, and matches.

If you must travel, and you do become stranded, the Departments advise you to stay in your vehicle and:

1.    Run the engine and heater about ten minutes an hour to stay warm.

2.    When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 
Occasionally clearing snow from the exhaust pipe will also help prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

3.    When it’s dark outside, turn on your interior light so rescuers may see you.

4.    Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers.

Please drive safe these next couple days, and try to keep these helpful tips in mind to avoid dangerous car accidents. - 2 - 10

New Year's Eve is right around the corner.  We at ZDC would like to wish everyone all the best for the incoming year.  We hope you have all had a great holiday season. 

On a more serious note, however, please keep in mind that driving can be very dangerous on New Year's Eve.  Remember not to drink and drive.  If you want to go out to celebrate the New Year, please designate a sober driver, or grab a taxi.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol already has sobriety checkpoints planned in January in 16 counties, including Minnehaha, Lake, Moody, Spink, and Penington.

To receive text message alerts on the checkpoints, and taxi service availability, sign up for the state's Act Civilized campaign here. 

- 3 - 10

Most of you are probably aware that South Dakota interstates were closed over the weekend.  Both interstates are now open once again, but conditions still are not great.  Even though the blizzard is past us, ice and blowing snow continue to be a serious problem along the roadways. 

If you plan on travelling this week, or heading anywhere for New Year’s, please stay vigilant.  Just because the speed limit says 75 does not mean you have to drive 75.  Remember: it’s a limit, not a minimum.  Keep an eye out for blowing snow and ice patches, and try to pack warm winter gear and extra food and water in case you become stranded. 

For the latest on road conditions across the state call Safe Travel USA at 5-1-1 or visit their website. 
- 4 - 10

With the annual Sturgis Rally fast approaching, I'd like to take some time to please caution everyone to keep their eyes open and focused on the road when driving on the highway this week.  Just yesterday a Yankton man died while riding his motorcycle after a collision with a pickup truck.  Today, a 58-year-old Indiana woman was also killed while riding her motorcycle after being hit by a car.  The driver of the car was cited for making an illegal left turn.  The sad connection between both of these deaths is that the drivers of the vehicles that collided with the motorcyclists failed to obey our traffic laws. 

Please obey traffic laws and follow the instructions of traffic signs.  Put down the cell phone, keep focused on the road, and always check your blind spots.  Let's make this rally an enjoyable event for all South Dakotans, and all of the bikers who travel to our state. - 5 - 10

While some newscasters and comedians have been poking fun at the new studies that show the dangers of texting and driving, it is extremely important to understand the threat distracted driving poses to the safety of all drivers.  In a study released last week, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that when drivers text, the risk of collision is 23 times greater.  Furthermore, when drivers dial a cell phone, or reach for an electronic device such as an I Pod, they are six times more likely to have a collision.

Even scarier, a separate report by Car and Driver Magazine found that texting and driving is more dangerous than drunken driving. 

This issue is so serious, that US Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, is convening a summit next month with senior transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, members of Congress, and academics to study the dangers of distracted driving. 

Our roads are dangerous enough as it is.  If you are a parent, and your son or daughter has just started driving, be adamant that they refrain from distracted driving. That means no texting, no cell phone dialing, and no other electronic distractions.  If you yourself have gotten in the habit of texting while driving, make a serious effort to stop immediately.  We live in a fast-paced world, but no text or phone call is important enough to risk your life or the lives of others.
- 6 - 10

A 59-year-old Yankton man was killed from injuries sustained from a traffic accident on a rural SD highway intersection.  According to authorities, the other driver, a 26-year-old driving a pickup truck, struck the man on his motorcycle after failing to stop at a stop sign.  This is obviously a tragic situation.  It serves as a reminder that we can't control the actions of other drivers out there.  Please stay alert when driving, and obey all traffic laws and traffic signs.  - 7 - 10

Last year there were 137 car crashes on South Dakota roads over the 4th of July holiday.  - 8 - 10