Ask the Chief

Whenever we have snow, rain, fog or other weather that impairs your ability to see, Minnesota State law requires you to turn on your headlights and taillights.

This sounds simple but many people think that their daytime lights are good enough.

Sadly, they are NOT. Did you know that your daytime lights don't turn on your taillights?

This can be very dangerous when you pull out into traffic because other vehicles will not see you and can hit you from behind.

For example, imagine that it is very foggy and you are on Hwy. 68 going to Marshall.

You are driving at 50 mph because you know you need to drive a little slower to increase your reaction time.

You are between Minneota and Ghent when a vehicle pulls out in front of you from a gravel road.

You can't see this vehicle because their taillights are not on. They are driving slower than you and you quickly over take them.

BOOM!!!! You hit them.

When you hit them, they are pushed across the center line and hit another vehicle head on. You end up in the ditch and possibly even rolled over.

This is a scenario that does occur and frankly I’m surprised it doesn't happen more often.

Just because your headlights or dash lights are on doesn't mean your taillights are on.

Having your headlights on is important but I bet you never thought how important it is to be seen from behind.

Save your life and the life of others by reaching over with your left hand and turning on you lights. It takes so little to save your life.

Be smart and turn on your headlights and taillights.