Winter Driving Tips for North and South Dakota: How to Stay Safe on Icy Roads
The Midwest region of the U.S. is known for harsh winters, but nobody can deny that North and South Dakota residents brave some of the most challenging winter road conditions. Whether you’re driving to work or just to the store, we have some tips to help you safely navigate Dakota’s winter roads.
Find a Les Schwab location near you in North Dakota and South Dakota.
Understanding North and South Dakota Winter Road Conditions
Sure, driving to Fargo or Mt. Rushmore is exciting, but severe winter weather can put a damper on even the easiest outing.
In both states, significant snowfall can reduce visibility and worsen road conditions. This can be especially prevalent in the western and central regions of the Dakotas. Additionally, temperatures can drop quickly in both states, causing icy roads.
Be aware that black ice is common in both North and South Dakota. So, even if there is no snow on the ground and the pavement doesn’t look wet, drive cautiously during the winter months. Finally, strong winds can create whiteouts, making driving very dangerous. If you ever experience a whiteout, pull over safely and wait out the storm, if possible.
Winter Weather Patterns in the Dakotas
The Dakotas receive a lot of snow and freezing temperatures throughout the winter. On average, each state sees up to 38 inches of snow per year, with temperatures hovering at or near 0º F in North Dakota and just below freezing in South Dakota.
Why is it so cold in North and South Dakota? You can thank polar atmospheric air masses. Those weather patterns consistently bring cold, dry air to the state. This can make for hazardous winter driving anywhere you go.
Common Road Hazards During Winter
Snow, rain, ice, black ice, as well as snow drifts can make driving challenging in the winter. As you drive in either North or South Dakota, be aware that the following highways can be especially treacherous during severe winter storms.
North Dakota
Find current and updated road conditions in your region.
- Interstate 29: Drive with caution in the Red River Valley, as heavy snowfall can quickly accumulate.
- Interstate 94: This highway is often exposed to hard winter conditions, including blizzards and whiteouts.
South Dakota
Find current and updated road conditions for your region.
- Interstate 29: Similar to North Dakota, Interstate 29 gets a lot of annual snowfall, which can lead to whiteouts.
- Interstate 90: The sections that pass through the mountains can be challenging, including windy conditions that reduce visibility.
Safe winter driving anywhere among the Rockies starts with the right tires and traction devices.
Choosing the Right Tires for Winter in the Dakotas
Safe winter driving anywhere in North or South Dakota starts with the right tires and traction devices. The professionals at Les Schwab can help you choose the right tires for what you drive, where you drive, and your chances of navigating snow- or ice-covered roads. Stop by Les Schwab today.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Dakota Winters
Having the right snow tires for your vehicle is essential. But there are a handful of other items to check before you drive on the plains, in the mountains, or anywhere in and around town.
- Check your battery. A good battery can help you avoid getting stranded. Les Schwab offers free battery checks.
- Get new wiper blades. Did you know the windshield wiper was invented in 1903? Since then, we’ve made some impressive advancements in wiper tech. Even with those advancements, it’s essential you change yours just before winter to maintain visibility.
- Update your wiper fluid. If you’re using anything less than below-freezing wiper fluid, you’re risking a frozen windshield and wiper system repair bills.
- Check your car’s fluids. That includes the antifreeze.
- Carry some emergency essentials. Pack water, food, blankets, as well as extra jackets and boots just in case. Check out our article on winter driving essentials for the 14 items you must have in your vehicles.
Stop by any Les Schwab for a free pre-trip safety check, including a visual inspection of your vehicle’s tires, battery, brakes, alignment, and more. We’ll even check the air in your tires.
Navigating Winter Hazards in the Dakotas
Driving in the Dakotas in the winter takes special care and attention. When facing snow, ice, or unpredictable black ice, follow these winter driving tips:
- Don’t get overconfident. Just because you have a four-wheel drive vehicle doesn’t mean you can stop or steer any better on ice or snow than a two-wheel drive. Check out these tips for driving in the snow.
- Don’t pass other drivers. When snow and ice cover the roads, it’s best to remain single-file, even if the person in front is driving well below the speed limit. Slowing down will help you get there without incident.
- Ease up on the gas and the brakes. Slow down when driving on snow and ice, and always ease on the brakes to avoid losing control. Check out these tips for driving on ice.
- Don’t rely on your car’s outside thermometer. Ice can form on shade-covered roads. Be extra vigilant on bridges, overpasses, and ramps where temperatures can drop.
- Look for black ice. Black ice is thin ice that looks like water on the road.
- Don’t use cruise control or lane assist. These can cause oversteer and send your car out of control. Instead, rely on your driver’s expertise to navigate winter roads safely.
- Don’t drive in a whiteout. Similar to driving in thick fog, driving in a whiteout is not safe and special care should be taken. The U.S. Department of Transportation urges drivers in white-out or blizzard conditions to slow down, use low headlight settings, and turn on fog lights. If visibility worsens, pull off the pavement as far as possible and wait for better visibility.
- Give plenty of room between you and other vehicles. When traveling at 35 MPH, it can take 600 feet or more to come to a complete stop on snow- and ice-covered roads. Check out these tips for driving in winter conditions.
Download a winter driving guide. This one from Car and Driver has plenty of advice.
Tire Chain and Studded Tire Laws
Tire chain laws vary by state and region across the U.S. Here’s when it’s legal to use chains and studded tires in both North and South Dakota.
North Dakota Laws
Tire chains are not mandatory in North Dakota, but they are permitted for safe driving in treacherous winter conditions. The state wants drivers to only use them when absolutely necessary. Additionally, studded tires are permitted on North Dakota roads from October 15 to April 15. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
South Dakota Laws
Tire chains are legal in South Dakota during severe winter weather. Additionally, the state’s Department of Transportation may require chains in some regions during heavy storms. Studded tires are legal in South Dakota from October 1 to April 30. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Essential Vehicle Preparation for Winter in the Dakotas
Don’t get caught in a winter storm without basic essentials. We’ve put together a list of some essentials you need when driving in the winter, along with an article on how to drive in the snow and how to drive on the ice.
Long-Distance Winter Travel Tips in the Dakotas
Before heading out on a long road trip in the winter, always check North Dakota road conditions, as well as South Dakota road conditions. Additionally, keep these four tips in mind.
- Let the engine warm up. This will give the oil and antifreeze a chance to warm up and circulate. If you have an EV, leave it plugged in while the cabin warms up. This is a good time to brush any snow off the roof and hood of your vehicle, and scrape any ice off the windows and mirrors.
- Double-check your vehicle. Ensure your snow or winter tires have enough tread, that the air pressure is topped off, fluid levels are all okay, and that you have an emergency kit in your car.
- Focus on driving. Slow down on snow- and ice-covered roads, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and those around you, watch for black ice, and steer slowly (no sudden movements).
- Plan your route and notify others. Yes, online maps are great, but downloading the maps you need can be a benefit just in case you lose wireless service. Or go retro and buy a paper map. Additionally, always have a plan and tell others your routes and when you plan to arrive.
Safe Winter Driving in the Dakotas
Safe winter driving in North and South Dakota starts at Les Schwab. Stop by your local store for a free pre-trip safety check. Our professionals will top off your tire’s air pressure, check the tread, take a look at your battery, visually inspect your brakes, and more to add safety to your winter road trips.