South Dakota Highway Patrol: slow down, stay alert as summer traffic picks up

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – As it gets closer to summer, more drivers will be on the road and the South Dakota Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers to stay vigilant behind the wheel.

With summer vacations, joy rides in the nice weather, and more drivers on the road, travel will be busier than usual.

On top of that, an increase in construction projects could cause delays and change traffic patterns.

All of this means drivers should stay alert when they are behind the wheel.

“With all of the traffic going on during the summer time during the road construction, we just want to remind people on the roadway to slow down, pay attention to the traffic signs, the construction workers, and the traffic ahead of them,” Trooper Tori Hurtig of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Also, reminding motorcyclists and drivers to remain aware of their surroundings.

“Be a proactive and defensive driver, so watch where you are going, watch where the other drivers are going, and also try and avoid any unnecessary corrective actions as well,” said Hurtig.

Highway Patrol also wants to remind people to wear seatbelts and, if driving a motorcycle, to wear a helmet.

Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.