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...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Sometimes while I am traveling I’ve noticed a set of reflective triangles out behind a semi. Can I use those on my personal passenger car if it were to break down? Any advice is appreciated. Answer: The best thing to do is make sure your vehicle is off the traveled portion of the highway and onto the shoulder. Then … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question:  I heard you talk about bridge decks freezing up on the radio, can you please write about it? Answer: An icy bridge’s most dangerous threat is their element of surprise - they catch drivers off guard. Even though the main roadway may appear relatively safe, bridges, overpasses and exit and entrance ramps can be icy. Drivers traveling on a … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: It’s so cold in the winter, I am thinking about getting one of those fuzzy steering wheel covers. I think they will help keep my hands warm while driving. But my question is, are they legal? Answer: Steering wheel covers are legal. A quick reminder though – it’s always the driver’s responsibility to keep control of … [Read more...]

We all know the dangers of driving with snow and ice on the roads, but driving with snow and ice on your vehicle is also a hazard. Always take time to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before traveling. This is for your safety and the safety of other drivers. Snow and ice left on your hood, roof and trunk can shift and blow off – blinding you or the driver behind you. … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a friend who drives around with a scanner in his vehicle. He says because he has a ham radio license it’s legal, is that true? Answer: Your friend is correct. Peace officers, the State Patrol, and people with an amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission are allowed to have a scanner in their vehicle. … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: My wife slid off the state highway this morning. She came to a stop in the median ditch, unhurt but rattled - only needing to be pulled out. When she called me I told her to call the State Patrol and stay in the car until you arrived. What is the right procedure to follow when a driver ends up stuck in the ditch? Do … [Read more...]