Winter Driving | Video

Alex Hagan | 12/27/2012

This winter is shaping up to be much colder and snowier than last year and that means driving conditions aren`t always the best. So far, a total of 167 people have died this year on North Dakota roads. And now that those roads are covered in snow and ice, drivers need to take extra care when traveling.

Even with snow covered roads, residents across the state still have places to go. When it involves getting in a vehicle, some, but not all, drivers are taking the necessary precautions to make sure they get there safely.

"This morning I had an appointment up north and so I got my husbands pickup and took that along and got along okay. Just took it a little slower that normal," said Bismarck resident Diana Lincoln.

John Johnson is visiting family here, but lives in Oklahoma. He says the driving conditions down south don`t compare.

"You go from ice to perfectly normal driving conditions in a day or two. Where as here, it just keeps going and going and going."

There are still many new out of state drivers here in North Dakota. Newcomers aren`t used to the winter conditions and that can lead to a busy day for highway patrol officers during snowstorms.

"Standard practice that we`re all out working and we`re all going to be responding to crashes that day," said Sgt. Tom Iverson with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Officers say they are already on pace to exceed the amount of accidents this winter season compared to last. As experienced as many of us may be in driving in these conditions, those new drivers should know a few things before hitting the road.

"They need to reduce their speeds and pay attention to the roadway. Take their cruise control off," Iverson said.

Johnson says he is a little more wary out on the snow covered roads.

"You have to take it to another level and don`t get too close to people."

"I always go online. Check the highway conditions because that will be very helpful," Lincoln said.

Any safe driving method is helpful on North Dakota`s roads to avoid ending up in a ditch or hitting another car.

Iverson says it`s important to get winter or all season tires for your car. Avoid stepping hard on your brakes and don`t slam on the gas from a parked position to avoid skidding or spinning out.

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