By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I really liked your recent article about the dangers of putting your feet up on the dash while driving and air bags. With the way vehicles are changing, can you talk about the other air bags, like side curtains and such? Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the email and I am happy to talk about this. First of all, let … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have noticed that some of the local express shuttle buses do not stop at railroad crossings. I thought all buses were supposed to stop before crossing railroad tracks. Can you talk about this? Answer: If it is a school bus or Head Start (early childhood programs, etc.) bus then they are required to stop whether … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: It seems there are far too many wrong way drivers.  On 4-lane and 2-lane roadways, what do drivers do if they encounter a wrong-way driver? Answer: Great question as this is a very dangerous situation. I was part of a crash investigation involving a wrong way driver on I-90 in Olmsted County in 2019. This was one of the worst crashes I have … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can someone with a motorcycle permit have their small dog riding on the motorcycle or would that be considered a passenger? We have already purchased a helmet and leather jacket for this lucky pup! Thank you for your response. Answer: First of all, where will this dog be seated and how? I see less issues if you are talking about a motorcycle … [Read more...]

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 spend a fair amount of time on the road and I see a lot of drivers on their cell phones. What are you guys doing about it? Answer: Right now, to help change dangerous driving behaviors, law enforce-ment agencies statewide are participating in a distracted driving enforcement campaign April 1 - 30. We’ve been … [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...]