Question: In your last Ask a Trooper article, you provided some information on pulling trailers. Can you talk a little more about trailer requirements? Answer: Here is some additional information on trailer requirements: Maximum length – 45 feet  Maximum width – 8 feet 6 inches  Maximum height – 13 feet 6 inches  Tail lamps – two red Reflectors – two red … [Read more...]

Question: I just purchased a pull-behind camper. I have never owned or pulled one before. I have been doing some research so I know what to do and expect. I thought it would be helpful as I know I am not alone in this situation. Can you write about this? Answer: If you pull a camper or trailer with your vehicle, you must maintain at least 500 feet of following distance from … [Read more...]

Question: Even with laws I still see a lot of motorists driving distracted. Can you get a reminder out there? Answer: Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25% of all crashes annually. Distracted drivers fail to recognize potential hazards on the road and react more slowly to traffic conditions, decreasing … [Read more...]

Question: I enjoy reading your column in the weekly newspaper.  I have a question I hope you can address. We’ve had some heavy fog recently and I get frustrated with the vehicles that do not have their lights on.  Sometimes the headlights are on and the rear lights are not.  What is the advice/law in using your lights during the daytime when there is fog/rain/snow? I think … [Read more...]

Question: The longer I’ve been driving the more issues I see on the highway. I’m certain there are a number of people that don’t understand on-ramps and merging onto the freeway. Can you talk about that? Answer: Entering the freeway. Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of most entry ramps, there is an acceleration lane that allows … [Read more...]

Question: I am looking to purchase a used vehicle. I have been online and checking things out and some of these listings appears too good to be true. Do you have any advice on what a person can or should do so they don’t become a victim? Answer: If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Online marketplaces are full of stolen and tampered vehicles.  To reduce the risk of … [Read more...]

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...]