South Dakota Intersections

Navigating the highways and rural roads of South Dakota can be a scenic and serene experience, but it can also be unexpectedly hazardous. From icy interstates to isolated stretches of prairie highway, South Dakota sees hundreds of serious accidents yearly, involving wildlife, severe weather, or high-speed collisions.

Below, we break down some of the most dangerous roadways across the state, using crash data, traffic trends, and local insights. Whether a daily commuter or planning a cross-state trip, this list can help you identify high-risk areas and better prepare for the road ahead.

If you or a loved one was injured on a South Dakota roadway, Local Accident Reports can help you find the legal support you need.

1. Interstate 90 (I-90): Sioux Falls to Rapid City

Stretching across the entire state from east to west, I-90 is the longest and busiest highway in South Dakota. Connecting two of the state’s major population hubs, Sioux Falls and Rapid City, this corridor sees a mix of commuter, commercial, and tourist traffic. It’s also the primary route for travelers to iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Badlands National Park.

The dangers along I-90 are multifaceted. Speed limits reach up to 80 mph, and drivers often exceed them. The vast, open plains can produce severe crosswinds, and winter storms can reduce visibility to near-zero in minutes. Several fatal multi-vehicle pileups have occurred in fog or snow squalls.

Wildlife collisions are also common, especially near dusk. Deer and antelope can appear suddenly, particularly around rest areas and near water sources. In rural sections, emergency response times between Chamberlain and Kadoka can be lengthy, complicating post-crash medical care.

Local news sources frequently report significant truck rollover accidents, especially in icy or wet conditions. In areas near the Missouri River, like Chamberlain, sudden elevation changes and bridge crossings require extra caution.

Road fatigue is another overlooked hazard; some stretches can feel endless and monotonous, leading to inattention. Eastbound drivers from the Black Hills may also underestimate the effect of elevation changes on their speed and braking distance.

2. US Route 12: Aberdeen to the Minnesota Border

US-12 is a major east-west route that traverses northeastern South Dakota. It passes through several rural towns and farming communities, including Groton, Webster, and Waubay. This corridor combines long straightaways with occasional curves near small towns, often lacking turn lanes or adequate lighting.

Many accidents along this stretch involve agricultural equipment, particularly during planting and harvest seasons. Drivers may come upon slow-moving tractors with little warning. Weather conditions like dense fog and drifting snow are also frequent hazards in winter and early spring.

Passing zones are limited, and driver impatience often leads to head-on collisions when unsafe passing occurs. Several intersections along US-12 lack stoplights or proper signage, increasing the risk of angle crashes.

3. US Route 81: Yankton to Watertown

US-81 runs north-south through the eastern half of South Dakota and intersects with I-90 near Salem. The route passes through both small rural towns and key agricultural zones. This road can be deceptively busy, with a mix of semi-truck traffic, commuters, and local vehicles.

The primary hazards include limited shoulders, inconsistent speed zones, and sharp intersections where farm roads meet the main highway. Rear-end crashes are frequent near towns like Madison and Arlington, where local traffic slows abruptly.

In the winter, high winds can drift snow across the road, making it almost invisible. Crashes involving black ice are prevalent in the early morning hours. Deer and pheasant are frequently seen along the roadside, increasing the likelihood of swerving accidents.

This stretch has also seen a rise in distracted driving crashes. Many locals rely on mobile apps for navigation or weather alerts, but fail to pay full attention while driving. Long straightaways and low traffic volumes contribute to complacency.

US-81 is also a corridor for agricultural freight, which means long-haul drivers unfamiliar with local road quirks can become a hazard themselves.

4. Interstate 29 (I-29): Sioux Falls to North Dakota Border

Running parallel to the eastern border of South Dakota, I-29 connects Sioux Falls to Brookings and continues north toward Fargo, ND. While not as long as I-90, this stretch is a vital commercial artery and sees a steady flow of freight trucks and travelers.

The corridor is known for its sudden weather changes, especially in the transitional seasons. Rain quickly turns to freezing drizzle, and fog banks from nearby rivers can envelop the highway without warning. Hydroplaning and poor visibility contribute to many collisions, especially during rush hours.

Pavement quality has improved recently, but rough patches and expansion joints can still destabilize vehicles at high speeds. Traffic backups are standard near construction zones, where merging behaviors create dangerous conditions.

One perilous stretch is near Brookings, where a mix of university students, commuters, and long-distance drivers creates erratic traffic patterns. Additionally, intersections with local roads lack adequate warning signage, leading to unexpected stops and sudden braking.

I-29 has also seen an increase in wrong-way driving incidents, often linked to alcohol use or disoriented drivers exiting the wrong ramp at night.

5. US Highway 281: From the Nebraska Border through Aberdeen

US-281 is a lesser-known but deceptively dangerous highway that runs north-south through central and northeastern South Dakota. Passing through smaller towns like Plankinton and Wolsey, it serves both local commuters and long-distance haulers.

One major issue on this route is limited visibility at unlit intersections, particularly during twilight hours. The lack of turning lanes increases the chance of rear-end and side-impact collisions. The road surface is often uneven or poorly maintained, causing instability at high speeds.

Drivers may not expect slow farm equipment or wildlife crossings, which are common. In winter, 281 becomes especially treacherous as strong winds sweep across open fields and create whiteout conditions.

Aberdeen is a known hotspot for intersection-related crashes, especially where US-281 meets state routes like SD-20 and US-12. The lack of traffic control signals at major intersections has led to fatal crashes involving passenger vehicles and semis.

US-281 is also a major migratory route for wildlife, including turkeys, deer, and mountain lions. These hazards are amplified at night when visibility is already limited.

Safety Tips for Driving on South Dakota’s Most Dangerous Roads

While it’s impossible to eliminate every road risk, drivers can take meaningful steps to reduce their chances of a serious crash:

• Watch your speed: Especially on I-90 and I-29, where speed limits are high and conditions change rapidly.
• Be weather-aware: Always check the forecast before driving long rural stretches, and be prepared with blankets, flares, and emergency supplies.
• Avoid fatigue: Many South Dakota roads are long and empty, which can lead to drowsiness. Take frequent breaks or share driving duties.
• Watch for wildlife: Especially during dawn, dusk, and fall migration seasons.
• Stay off your phone: Distracted driving is a growing issue on rural highways where drivers think they’re “alone.”
• Use your headlights wisely: During the day, lights can help other vehicles spot you in fog or over hills.
• Respect local driving customs: Expect slow tractors, occasional livestock crossings, and wide-load trailers.

What to Do After a Car Crash in South Dakota

If you’re involved in a car accident, your actions in the first moments and hours afterward can protect your safety, legal rights, and future. Follow these steps:

1. Check for injuries: Prioritize your health and the safety of others. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to a safe area: If possible, get your vehicle out of traffic to avoid secondary collisions.
3. Call law enforcement: South Dakota law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or significant damage.
4. Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, driver’s licenses, insurance, and license plate numbers.
5. Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and anything else that might help your case.
6. Avoid admitting fault: Even apologizing can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or others.
7. Seek medical attention: Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms right away. Get evaluated as soon as possible.
8. Speak to a local attorney: South Dakota has specific laws around liability and insurance. A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Injured in a Crash? Contact a Trusted South Dakota Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident on one of these dangerous roads, seeking local legal guidance is vital. At Local Accident Reports, we help connect South Dakota crash victims with trusted personal injury lawyers in their area, with no obligation or pressure.

Whether your accident involved a wildlife collision, icy roads, or a rear-end crash in a rural intersection, a local attorney can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you may deserve.

Request a free case evaluation today and connect with a qualified attorney who understands South Dakota road laws and conditions. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery. Contact Local Accident Reports at 1-888‑657‑1460 today for a free case referral to a knowledgeable accident attorney near you.