ASK A TROOPER: "Vehicle Scams"
Question: I am looking at purchasing my first vehicle but I am worried about scams. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you. Answer: Here is some information we recently shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety blog. Picture this: You are excited about buying a car. You drive it home, but later find out the...
Mar 25, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Summer-like driving behavior behind spike in traffic fatalities"
With highs near 50 and the sun in the sky, it can be hard to believe it is March in Minnesota. If you're not a fan of Minnesota winters, the higher temps and lack of snow this winter is appealing. You might even think that the lack of snow has made our roads safer. Unfortunately, the effect on traffic safety is not alw...
Mar 19, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Roundabout Talk"
Question: Sgt. Grabow, I have noticed that there are more aggressive actions being taken at roundabouts. Drivers are entering the roundabout ahead of others that are already in the circle. Please remind drivers of the appropriate entering law concerning them. Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the suggested topic and I c...
Mar 12, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Mobile Advertising Question"
Question: I have a question in regards to exploring a business idea that has to do with mobile advertising, such as an illuminated board advertising business. I am concerned about the visual distraction for drivers and was wondering if this was allowed. Answer: Moving or parked mobile advertising signs that display lig...
Mar 04, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Dash Camera Question"
Question: I have been thinking about getting a dash camera for my vehicle. If I do, where can I place it? Answer: When it comes to placing things up in the windshield or dashboard area Minnesota has restrictions as a concern for obstructed vision and safety. Dash cameras are allowed if the driver feedback and safety mo...
Feb 29, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "New technology offers life-saving text messages"
Question: I thought I heard about 911 being able to find accurate locations even when people don't know exactly where they are. Can you talk about that? Answer: Yes, we shared some information on this very subject on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety's blog just recently. I will share the article. "As a fo...
Feb 20, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Headlights ON"
Question: With all this fog we've had lately, can you please talk about headlights? I see so many vehicles driving without them on. So many people just assume because they have them set to automatic that they are always on but that is not the case. Sure, they come on at night in the dark but on the days with fog, snow ...
Feb 13, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Highway Advertising"
Question: Why are the builders and developers allowed to place their advertising signs on the shoulders of the state highways and ramps on the weekends? This happens every weekend throughout the state, especially in the Twin Cities Metro Area. This also involves having their vehicles, often hauling trailers, stopping o...
Feb 06, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Driver License Victim of Identity Theft"
Question: I was recently the victim of identity theft. My driver's license was among the items stolen. I am concerned that this person will use my identification to drive, among other things. What can I do in regards to my license? Answer: I am sorry to hear about your situation. This is not my area of expertise but th...
Jan 30, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Rest Areas Reduce Crashes"
Question: Hello, I thought I read somewhere that rest areas help reduce crashes. I saw a trooper at a rest area the other day, and it got me thinking about that. Can you write about that? Answer: More than 20 million travelers stop at Minnesota rest areas annually. Rest areas serve as an essential safety feature on th...
Jan 23, 2024