Ask the Chief

A frequent complaint I receive during this time of the year are people not using their headlights, having only one working headlight, tailgating, unsafe passing and driving too fast for conditions.

These issues are even more concerning as road conditions worsen due to snow and ice.

Minnesota State Statute 169.48 Vehicle lighting says lights are to be displayed by every vehicle — "(1) at any time from sunset to sunrise; (2) at any time when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing; and (3) at any other time when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions or there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead."

Minnesota State Statute 169.63 Number of Lamps "(a) At all times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, at least two lighted headlamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle ..."

Minnesota State Statute 169.18 Following vehicle too closely. "(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway."

Minnesota State Statute 169.18 Passing. "(1) the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;"

Minneota State Statute 169.14 Duty to drive with due care. "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions."

I’m going to be increasing traffic enforcement with a focus on these concerns.

I encourage everyone to make sure their vehicles are ready for winter driving and to add more time to their commute so that you can drive at a safe and reasonable speed.