In the past five years, officers reported snowy or icy road conditions in more than 79,569 crashes (2014-2018). These crashes resulted in 214 traffic deaths and 20,761 injuries.
During the winter, it’s important to drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and give yourself plenty of travel time. State law requires the use of headlights when precipitation is present.
Increase stopping distance between vehicles. Expect bridges and overpasses to be icy during winter conditions, slow down accordingly and never use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads.
Be aware that roads may be clear of snow and ice, but black ice that is invisible and almost totally transparent can form when the air temperature is warmer than the pavement.
If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal and never pump ABS brakes.
Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows. Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Your seat belt is your first defense in case of a crash. Always buckle up and be sure child restraints are secured tightly. It is recommended that bulky clothes and blankets are fitted above the child restraint harness, not beneath, to ensure harness restraints fit properly.
Parents of teen drivers should make sure new motorists experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot. Give your teen as much practice as possible before letting them head out onto the streets.
No matter what the conditions, drive at safe speeds and be aware that a winter road can pose a danger. Always remember to pay attention, buckle up, drive the speed limit and always drive sober.
Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle?
Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no with some exceptions.
MS 97B.045- A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:
(1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;
(2) unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
(3) a handgun carried in compliance with sections 624.714 and 624.715
Subd. 3. Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges – a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol, in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, lawfully hunting on private or public land; or traveling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:
(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;
(2) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;
(3) on school grounds
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.
(Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)