The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) asked motorists to “slow down before you pass” after a crash involving an SUV and a turning commercial truck.
On October 29, 2026, NDHP responded to a crash on Highway 11 between I-29 and Fairmount.
State troopers said that the driver of a Chevrolet Equinox SUV “attempted to pass several vehicles that were slowing for a semi turning left into a field approach.”
The SUV struck the truck as it made the turn.
The SUV driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
State police used the incident to remind motorists about the dangers of trying to pass too quickly, especially at harvest time.
“As harvest continues across North Dakota, drivers should expect to encounter farm equipment, trucks and other slow-moving vehicles entering and exiting fields … During harvest, a field approach can be just as busy as an intersection. Pay attention to what’s happening ahead, not just the vehicle directly in front of you,” NDHP said.
Troopers offered the following driving tips to help prevent crashes like this one from occurring:
- Slowing traffic doesn’t always mean it’s safe to pass. Vehicles ahead may be preparing to turn.
- Watch for turn signals. Farm equipment and trucks frequently turn into field approaches that may be difficult to see from a distance.
- Avoid passing multiple vehicles at once. You may not be able to see why traffic ahead is slowing.
- Be patient. Waiting a few extra seconds for a safe opportunity to pass can prevent a serious crash.
