FARGO, N.D. (NDHP) – During the morning of December 30th, 2023, the Fargo area experienced freezing rain. This rain caused icy road conditions. Six crashes occurred within about one hour of each other.
One of these crashes occurred on westbound Interstate 94 between the Kindred and Mapleton exit. A semi-truck lost control while driving on the icy roads, entered the median and then overturned blocking both westbound lanes of I-94. Traffic was detoured at the Kindred exit, and westbound I-94 was blocked for approximately two hours while emergency responders removed the involved semi. The driver involved sustained none-life threatening injuries.
Another crash north of Fargo near Grandin on Interstate 29 resulted in two semi-trucks becoming jack knifed in the median and ditch across from each other. Northbound traffic on Interstate 29 was stopped near Grandin for approximately fifteen minutes while these semi-trucks were removed.
Several other crashes between motorist occurred because of motorists driving to fast for road conditions and losing control of their vehicles striking other vehicles. Two of these crashes resulted in none life threatening injuries to involved drivers. Traffic was backed up at multiple areas throughout the Fargo metro area because of these crashes.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol would like to use this opportunity to remind drivers to monitor road conditions prior to traveling. When weather conditions are poor, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance between vehicles. If you go into the ditch or median, please remain in your vehicle. When possible, avoid driving while road conditions are poor. If you must travel, plan to allow extra time to drive, and pack an emergency travel kit.
And remember the 75 mph speed limit sign doesn’t mean go 75 when the snow, ice, and sleet cause slippery road conditions, slow down and get to your destination a few minutes later, to avoid injuries and property damage.