Minnesota: Ask a Trooper: Patrol cars struck at crash scenes

Ask a Trooper. Question: How many of your patrol cars have been struck while at a crash scene?

Answer: Winter driving can be and is dangerous for all of us when the weather and road conditions become poor. The majority of the parked squads that are struck are in the winter season. My patrol car had been struck twice in my career. Both of the events happened while I was out at a crash where the roads were covered with ice and snow. Fortunately for me and the others involved, no one was injured, but that has not always been the case for other Troopers and motorists.

Here is the crash data from the past seven plus years that involved Minnesota State Patrol squad cars that were struck. The 2015 statistics are through July.

MSP PATROL CARS STRUCK

* 2008 – 22 squads struck while parked; 10 Troopers injured

* 2009 – 28 squads struck while parked; 10 Troopers injured

* 2010 – 27 squads struck while parked; 5 Troopers injured

* 2011 – 26 squads struck while parked; 9 Troopers injured

* 2012 – 17 squads struck while parked; 4 Troopers injured

* 2013 – 19 squads struck while parked; 3 Troopers injured

* 2014 – 25 squads struck while parked; 4 Troopers injured

* 2015YTD – 6 squads struck while parked; 2 Troopers injured

Most of these types of incidents can be avoided by using safe winter driving techniques, moving over to the other vacant lane when you are on a two-lane same direction roadway, or slowing down and providing room when you see any type of flashing lights.

The law requires motorists to move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

Law enforcement is looking for motorists that fail to move over and will enforce the “Move Over Law”.

MOVE OVER CITATIONS/WARNINGS (MSP Only)

* 2008 – 419 citations, 1327 warnings

* 2009 – 622 citations, 2342 warnings

* 2010 – 618 citations, 2466 warnings

* 2011 – 975 citations, 2898 warnings

* 2012 – 703 citations, 2667 warnings

* 2013 – 713 citations, 2209 warnings

* 2014 – 816 citations, 2476 warnings

* 2015YTD – 350 citations, 1070 warnings (1/1-7/1)

Please slow down, pay attention, drive sober and move over when you see flashing lights, and use good safe judgement when traveling.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811.