PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Christmas is typically a time when family and friends come together to enjoy food and fellowship.

But, South Dakota Highway Patrol Col. Rick Miller wants people to be informed before heading out.

Miller says rescue missions take a lot of coordination and time and force more people to be out in less-than-ideal conditions.

With the extreme cold and wind chill, Miller wants people to make smart decisions before going anywhere.

Miller says it’s a bad time for awful weather.

Miller says they have had to do many rescues to stranded vehicles.

Miller says they have also had many vehicles stuck on secondary highways.

Miller says it takes a lot of time, effort and equipment to go out an rescue stranded motorists.

At one point, over seven hundred people were in shelters in Wall.

Again, find updated road condition information by going to sd511.org, using the 511 app or by calling 511 from any regular or cellular telephone. All services are free of charge.