By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I recently heard something about a new phone number “988” for people dealing with a mental health crisis. With all these three digit numbers, 911, 411, 511, can you talk about that? Answer: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am a motorcycle rider and would appreciate it if you would write about motorcycle accidents. Answer: Spring is upon us and motorcycles are once again sharing the highways.  unfortunately, the state has already seen one fatal motorcycle crash this year. Motorcycle use is at an all-time high and the two primary factors involved in these … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have heard some talk about HEAT patrols that the State Patrol is participating in.  I see your speed numbers on Twitter. Can you explain what this is? Answer: HEAT stands for Highway Enforcement for Aggress-ive Traffic (HEAT). Motorists will see a significant State Patrol presence on freeways around the state … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I’ve noticed you use the word “crash” and not the word “accident” when talking about incidents while on the radio. T.V. and the newspaper. Why is that? Answer: I’d be glad to talk about this as I am passionate about this topic and it is certainly intentional. The spark for this issue stems from a court trial from almost two decades ago … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I saw your recent article about flooded roads. Do you have any advice on what a person should do if their vehicle plunges into the water? Answer: The dynamics of such an incident are ever-changing, so there is no one answer that will cover it all. Having witnessed and responded to these types of situations, here is what I would … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: With spring being here and the melting snow, can you talk about what a person should do when coming across water on roads? Answer: Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is runoff from deep snow or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges and … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a question about pickups with their wide tires sticking outside of the fender wells, is that illegal? I always thought there were supposed to be fenders? I know they throw a lot of rocks around. I don’t think that’s right. Answer:  Minnesota law states that all passenger vehicles shall have fenders, or other … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am a new parent and I am not sure if I am doing this child car seat thing properly. Is there somewhere I can go to find out if I am doing it right? Thank you. Answer: Congrat-ulations on parenthood! I know the feeling and there will only be more questions as time goes on. For child passenger safety, the Minnesota … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Why do all of the Teslas I see in Minnesota lack the required front license plate?  I see lots of other all electric vehicles from other manu-facturers and they all have a front plate. I know several people who have collector cars and they all complain that they have to use a front plate, but I have yet to see a Tesla with one. Answer: Teslas … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question:  I just moved to Minnesota and heard you talking about not using cruise control in the winter, can you please write about this?  Answer: Using cruise control on slippery roads could send you on a winter cruise – straight into the ditch or oncoming traffic! With dry road conditions, cruise control helps you … [Read more...]