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...]

Question: I’ve seen the traffic safety information you share on your X account when it comes to dealing with winter weather and slippery roads. Can you write about winter driving safety here for all of us? I’d like for you to share some basic winter driving tips. Thank you and be safe.  Answer: While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads for fatal crashes, … [Read more...]

Question: I’m pregnant and I’ve seen seat belt attachments that clip under the seat and say they make belts safer for pregnant people. Are these safe to use? Answer: I contacted the expert who is the Community Programs and Occupant Protection Manager for the Minnesota Safety Council and here is what I was advised.  Seat belt adjusters, also called seat belt positioners, … [Read more...]

Question: Is it illegal for a vehicle pulling a trailer to have a ladder or ramp hanging from the side of the trailer? Answer: You are able to have ladders or ramps secured to the side of an enclosed trailer as long as you do not exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches.  This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on Minnesota roadways without a special permit.  The … [Read more...]

Question: I want to make sure my child is safe in the car, but I’ve heard that some car seats sold online are fake or don’t meet U.S. safety standards. How can I tell if a car seat is unsafe? Answer: Good question. I reached out to the expert who is the Community Programs and Occupant Protection Manager for the Minnesota Safety Council and here is what I found out.  Fake, … [Read more...]

Question: At a four-way stop, when two cars stop at exactly the same time, which one has the right of way? Is it the car on your left? It seems like no one knows what to do these days and everyone just sits there. Answer: That is a good question for a good topic. Right-of-way and yielding laws help traffic flow smoothly and safely. They are based on courtesy and common … [Read more...]

Question: Can I get some clarification on stop signs. I always wonder where to stop. Is it at the stop sign or at the stop line I sometimes see on the road. Thank you. Answer: This is a good question that I do get fairly often. Here is what you need to know and do when it comes to stopping. Stop Signs Come to a complete stop at stop signs.  If there is a marked … [Read more...]

Question: Hi. I have two grandsons, one 17 years old with a driver’s license the other is 15 with a permit. They both have a bad habit of driving with one hand on the wheel.  I stress how dangerous this is and both hands need to be on wheel all the time. I drive at the 9 and 3 position and try to have them do the same. Any suggestions? Answer: When it comes to driving try to … [Read more...]

Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is? Answer:  Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule is for standard-length vehicles driving in ideal … [Read more...]