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...]

Question: In your last article you wrote about “pavement markings.” Could you talk about “turn lanes” as I think there are quite a few people who get confused by this? Answer: Turn lanes near intersections separate left-turning or right-turning traffic from through traffic. White arrows, sometimes accompanied by the word “only,” indicate that drivers must stay within a … [Read more...]

Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks. Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. White dashes: You can change lanes where this marking is present.  Shorter and thicker white dashes: The … [Read more...]

Question: Hello, I want to work for a farmer during planting and harvest season driving a semi. I have a valid Class D driver’s license but no Commercial Driver’s License. Can I cross a state line while working for the farmer, Minnesota into North Dakota? Answer: Yes, as long as you stay within 150 air miles of the farm. If you have additional questions regarding commercial … [Read more...]

Question: I seem to encounter a fair amount of emergency vehicles running in emergency mode (lights and sirens.) I also can’t help but notice how many people don’t pull over and yield to them. Can you bring some attention to this? Answer: Great topic for conversation. When an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fire truck or police car) with flashing red lights and … [Read more...]

Question: My grandkids get to be on their school’s School Patrol. I am so happy they get to help but can you talk about this? I want people to be aware to help keep them and everyone safe. Thank you for all you do. Answer: Congratulations to your grandchildren! You should be proud as it is quite an honor to be serve on those School Patrols.  A little history lesson on the … [Read more...]