The Latest News about South Dakota Car and Truck Accidents

South Dakota Transportation Department Warns of Crashes with Plows

Posted on Nov 22, 2011

According to a plan adopted by South Dakota's Transportation Commission, a new budget was passed this year increasing the amount of funding for plowing and de-icing for the upcoming 2011-2012 winter season. The new budget of $17.9 million is $1.1 million more than last year's budget, as the Department of Transportation exceeded last year's proposed budget by more than $1 million. According to Jason Humphrey, the Department of Transportation's Construction and Maintenance Engineer, the new budget has taken into consideration increased expenses for fuel and road-surface chemicals.

In addition, Humphrey has indicated that the Department of Transportation will focus on informing drivers that snow plows generally travel at only 30-35 miles per hour. In 2010 there were 38 accidents in South Dakota where operators of motor vehicles crashed into plow trucks. In 19 of these accidents the plow trucks were rear-ended, and in the other 19 accidents the plow trucks were sideswiped. According to reports, the primary issue is motor vehicle operators approaching plow trucks at too high a speed.

In 2010, certain state highways had to be repeatedly shut down due to high winds and snowfall. The Department's plans for the 2011-2012 year require state highways that have an average daily count of more than 1,000 vehicles to be 80 percent clear within 18 hours after the end of a weather event and highways with less traffic to be 80 percent clear within 36 hours of the end of a weather event.

At this time South Dakota's laws do not allow for variable speed limits that are dependent on weather conditions.

The treacherous South Dakota winter weather is coming for 2011, so do not take chances. If you or a loved one is in an accident, contact a South Dakota personal injury attorney at Zimmer, Duncan & Cole. Call the law office toll free at (888) 733-2992 or complete the contact form on this page.

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