By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol A Trooper in Southern Minnesota recently took a report from a concerned bicyclist and asked to have this information passed along. This person rides bicycle, has a flashing white light to the front and flashing red light to the rear, wears a helmet, has a mirror, follows the rules of the road, rides in bicycle lanes where … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I see vehicles go by with extended carriers attached to their hitch with several full gas cans. We discuss what could happen if a driver was not paying attention and ran into one such vehicle. How safe can this be? Is there any laws in place that makes this unlawful? Answer: There is no law against transporting fuel … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol I followed a tractor that had triple wheels on each side and took up half the lane of oncoming traffic. Following vehicles could not pass and oncoming traffic had to take the shoulder. Answer: Farm equipment may be driven or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted at the front by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol “Let’s have one last celebration before summer ends! What shall we do?” “Great idea! Let’s spend thousands of dollars in legal fees! Or…spending months in the hospital might be fun. Or how about dying in a car crash?” If all of that sounds like a ridiculous way to spend Labor Day weekend, we agree. And yet that’s what can … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have seen a lot of boat trailers and ATV trailers on the shoulders with mechanical issues, what should be checked on these trailers? Answer:  State Troopers often encounter motorists pulling trailers that are experiencing breakdowns. Most often it involves a flat tire or trailer wheel bearing. Basic trailer maintenance involves greasing … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: In reference to the interstate, is it true that one out of five miles is straight so airplanes can land on there if needed? Answer: No, this is a myth that is so widespread that it is difficult to dispel. The myth typically states the requirement came from President Dwight D. Eisenhower or the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. However, no … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the purpose of solid white lines, separating traffic moving in the same direction? Example the ones leading up to the Lowry tunnel in Minneapolis. Does it make it illegal to change lanes? Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. While there are several different types, we will focus on white lines. White lines … [Read more...]

  Question: My son just got back from Legionville, where he was selected to attend and will serve as a school patrol captain when school starts up next fall. He had a great experience and I didn’t realize how much history there is with it. Answer: The idea of the School Patrol originated with Sister Carmela of the Cathedral School in St. Paul on Febraury 21, 1921, … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota? Answer: Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip flops that interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals. This brings up another safety issue. Make sure the … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I’ve often wondered why Troopers wear their badges on their pocket flaps and not their chests like other law enforcement officers. Can you tell me the story behind that?  Answer:  Each individual agency and department will have different rules and regulations as to how the badge is to be worn, although badge placement isn’t random and has … [Read more...]