Question: I read your recent article about winter travel safety. Can you talk more in depth about what a person should have in their vehicle? Answer: Great topic to expand on. During the winter months, being prepared becomes even more important. Things happen: Crashes, stalled vehicles, being on the wrong side of a jackknifed semi or a whiteout blizzard that lasts for many … [Read more...]

Question: I just saw something about a Minnesota traffic safety program that’s been around for 20 years. Can you talk more about that? Answer: Yes, here is some information we shared on our DPS blog: “Minnesota has seen a 32% reduction in traffic fatalities between 2003 and 2022, in part due to the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) traffic safety program. The Department of Public … [Read more...]

Question: The first snow storm of the season seemed to catch a lot of us by surprise. Can you talk about what to do to be ready for winter travel? Thank you and be safe. Answer: You are correct and it comes down to being prepared. While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses safety risks and hazards. Here are some … [Read more...]

Question: What is the difference between careless or reckless driving? What about “exhibition driving”? Answer: In general, the difference between reckless and careless is that “reckless” is generally “intentional” or the driver “should know” that the driving behavior could injure or kill someone. Here’s more detail on how they differ: Reckless driving This involves a … [Read more...]

Question: I have had a few conversations with others about turning right on red.  Can you tell me what the rules are in Minnesota?  It’s frightening to see the chances some drivers are taking. Answer: A steady red light means stop and wait for the light to change. Come to a complete stop at the stop line before the crosswalk or entering the intersection. After stopping, you … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I noticed several freshly killed deer on the side of the highway yesterday. What are the traffic related requirements when someone collides with a deer, and what are the game related requirements with killing a deer? Is it legal to take the deer home? Answer: If you are involved in a vehicle vs. deer/large animal crash, call 911 to report … [Read more...]

Question: Is it illegal to honk your car horn in Minnesota? My friends and family members drive by our house, giving their horn a little honk and waving; is this illegal?  What if you’re behind someone at a stoplight who hasn’t noticed the light turned green — is it illegal to tap your horn to alert them?  And what about those car alarms that start honking if they sense an … [Read more...]

Question: I read one of your articles about motorcyclists needing to wear eye protection. Do contacts qualify as eye protection? Answer: Contact lenses do not qualify as protective eyewear. Motorcyclists are required to wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles or a face shield, even if the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. Drivers, look twice for motorcycles, … [Read more...]

Question: I read your column in the newspaper but don’t think I’ve seen this question. When traveling in the Twin Cities with the required number of passengers in your car, can you use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?  Do you need to have a transponder set to carpool or some setting to indicate you meet the minimum number of passengers? I often have enough passengers but … [Read more...]