Police Offer Winter Driving Safety Tips After Accidents

Fargo and Moorhead authorities provide guidance on handling minor crashes in slick conditions.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:05am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of white, gray, and blue, depicting a snow-covered rural road winding through a vast, desolate winter scene, the road partially obscured by heavy snowfall and the natural world dwarfing any physical structures or vehicles within the frame.As winter weather persists into spring, drivers must remain vigilant about the challenges of navigating snowy roads and safely responding to minor accidents.Fargo Today

As heavy snow hits the Fargo-Moorhead area, police are reminding drivers to prioritize safety and follow proper protocols if they get into a minor accident. Authorities advise moving vehicles off the road if possible, calling 911 for certain incidents, and avoiding the impulse to immediately inspect vehicle damage.

Why it matters

Fender benders are common in wintry weather, and improper responses can create additional hazards on the roads. By following police guidance, drivers can help keep themselves and others safe while also meeting legal requirements for reporting accidents.

The details

Police say the first priority is ensuring everyone is unharmed. For minor crashes, drivers can exchange information while keeping hazard lights on. But they must call 911 if the accident involves property damage, a disabled vehicle, injuries, or commercial/school vehicles. Officers advise moving vehicles off the road when safe to do so, rather than staying put and blocking traffic. Stepping out of the car can also be risky in busy conditions.

  • The heavy snowfall hit the Fargo-Moorhead area on April 3, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Josh Loos

An officer with the Fargo Police Department.

Sgt. Nick Schultz

An officer with the Moorhead Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing we want to do is make sure everybody's safe.”

— Sgt. Josh Loos, Fargo Police Department

“The one thing that we see most often is people want to just stay where the crash occurred, and they're blocking traffic, which is creating a bigger hazard. They just need to get off the road as best they can, and then we'll come and deal with it, or they can deal with it themselves.”

— Sgt. Nick Schultz, Moorhead Police Department

What’s next

As more snow is expected, police advise drivers to slow down, give themselves extra time, and remain vigilant about winter driving conditions, even in April.

The takeaway

By following police guidance on handling minor accidents in snowy weather - prioritizing safety, moving vehicles when possible, and properly reporting incidents - drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the roads during challenging winter conditions.