Fewer Snow-Related Crashes | Video

Amy Fox | 11/12/2012

Minot residents lucked out a bit compared to other places around the state. We got about seven inches of snow this weekend, which forced drivers to slow down due to the wet, icy, and snowy roadways.

But, how did we do compared to the last storm?

People are salting the sidewalks, firing up the snow blowers, and plowing the parking lots to clean up from last weekend`s snow.

"It was really icy,” said Minot resident Brenda Davis. “It was kind of snow over ice."

While we didn’t get as much snow as expected, for Davis, the snow was enough to cause slippery driving conditions.

"I saw quite a few accidents, and it was due to slipping and sliding."

Minot Police Department Senior Officer Aaron Moss said, "This weekend we saw some accidents. We are happy to see substantially less accidents this storm compared to last."

Police reported 16 accidents this weekend, which is significantly less than the 60 reported the weekend prior.

"People are driving more defensively, as well as, people are staying in when they`re supposed to be," explained Moss.

Davis said, "I defiantly slow down and if I don`t have to go out, I usually don`t."

While the storm already passed through western North Dakota, sometimes, the current driving conditions can be awfully deceiving even after a storm.

“Things aren`t always as they seem when you`re driving,” said Davis. “It might look nice from your house, but once you get on the streets, it`s not always the case."

People who are new to the area are quickly learning how to drive on the winter roadways.

"I think more seasoned North Dakotans are a little more cautious, but there are always those who aren`t really prepared for the conditions and accidents always happen,” said Davis.

New North Dakotans aren`t the only drivers reminded to use caution.

"There are some drivers out there that get over confident with their vehicles abilities of four wheel drive. That does not necessarily mean you will be able to stop quicker. Heavier trucks take longer to stop and that`s especially true even with slippery conditions," said Moss.

While this is just the start of many more snow falls to come, for Davis, it`s just another day in Minot, something that even the new comers will be used to by the end of the winter.

There are still some slick spots throughout Minot, but Moss says the street department and the Department of Transportation continue to sand the roadways in priority order.

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