Question: Can you write about the laws on headlights on when they are to be used? It would probably be a good idea to mention the rules of dimming one’s bright lights. Thanks.  Answer: When you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less, your headlights must remain on low beam.  Your headlights must be … [Read more...]

Question:  I took my driver’s training course many years ago. One thing I remember from my training is the steps that goes into making a right-hand turn, including: Looking to my right to make sure no one/nothing is there. Putting on my right turn signal. Looking again for no obstacles.  Proceeding to move over to the curb to allow forward-moving traffic (behind … [Read more...]

Question: Hi, I read your “Ask A Trooper” article regarding Winter Travel Survival Kit Essentials. You might reconsider recommending cat litter as an agent for traction. Traditional cat litter is made of small chunks of clay, when one attempts to use it for traction in winter conditions it quickly dissolves into a slippery mess, making traction less viable. That was my … [Read more...]

Question: I heard about a thing called “Vanessa’s Law” the other day and I wasn’t quite sure what it was all about. I know it has to do with new or young drivers. Answer: Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before her 16th birthday in May 2003. In her memory, Vanessa’s Law was passed a year later. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed … [Read more...]

Question: I travel a lot and I see a number of people making some poor choices when it comes to passing semis and large vehicles. There is no way these big rigs can stop in time when people do these unsafe maneuvers. Can you write about this? Answer: A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or a combination of motor vehicles that weighs more than 26,000 pounds and is used to … [Read more...]

Question:  I listened to your radio show the other day and you were talking about fatal crashes were lower last year, what was the break down on the numbers? Answer: In 2025, Minnesota saw a significant improvement in road safety, recording 370 traffic-related deaths. This marks the lowest fatality count since 2019 and reflects a 22% decrease from 2024 and 8% percent less … [Read more...]

Question: My husband always used to say “never use your cruise control during the winter months”. Is that still true with advances on tires and technology? Answer: He is correct, cruise control should never be used on wet or icy roadways. If your wheels lose traction, the cruise control will continue to accelerate, causing the vehicle to skid. By the time you realize you are … [Read more...]

Question: During one of the recent winter storms, I encountered numerous vehicles driving on a 4-lane highway with their four-way hazard lights on.  The vehicles were not driving significantly slower than the other traffic, as nearly everyone had slowed considerably due to the low visibility. Is it legal in Minnesota and is it ever suggested to drive with your four-way flashers … [Read more...]

Question: I’ve heard about some snow plows getting hit out on the highway this winter. Can you remind people what they should be doing when sharing the roads with our plow drivers? Answer: For people to stay safe around plows, they just need to practice good common sense and have some patience. •Give Space: Stay at least 10 car lengths (about 200 feet) behind a plow. •Avoid … [Read more...]

Question: I know you were talking about winter safety tips in your last article. Can you go over the items a person should have in their vehicle when traveling in the winter? Answer: When assembling a winter travel survival kit, it’s best to include a variety of items that prepare you for cold, isolation, and unexpected delays. Even if you keep the kit in your vehicle … [Read more...]