Officials of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety remind people to be careful this holiday season – both on the road and at home.
With Christmas on a Tuesday this year, traffic is expected to be busy into Monday.
This year’s Christmas holiday reporting period for motor vehicle traffic crashes spans 102 hours, beginning at 6 p.m. today (Fri.) and ending at midnight on Christmas Day. Last year, there were two fatalities during the Christmas reporting period (one a pedestrian and the other a driver) and 30 other motor vehicle injuries.
Holiday safety extends to the home as well. State Fire Marshal Paul Merriman says home fires are more prevalent during the holidays. He says with more lights, more candles, more cooking and more fireplaces being used, the chances of a home fire increase at this time of the year. Merriman says use holiday lighting safely, never leave burning candles unattended, practice cooking safety, and have a working smoke alarm on each floor, every sleeping area and each bedroom in the home.
DPS officials also encourage the public to be aware of possible changing weather conditions. Those planning to travel should watch for latest forecasts and check road conditions by calling 511 or at https://www.safetravelusa.com/sd/.