State ranks 47th in troopers
Posted 11/13/02

Question: Do I have to stop at a red light first, even though I am making a right turn?

Answer: Yes, legally you do. It is a wise thing to do anyway, so you can make sure that there is no traffic coming. This is a common violation in cities of all sizes in Minnesota, and a reason for a good share of crashes we are having, so please be careful!

Question: When I see police officers directing traffic at an intersection where there is a stop sign, sometimes they wave me right through the sign. Is that legal, and should I stop anyway? Is it different for stoplights?

Answer: Yes, it is legal. If they are waving you through, then no, do not stop. The reason the officers are at the intersection is because there is a unique problem or situation requiring them to be there. You must obey the officers when they are directing traffic. Failure to do so can bring you a charge for "Disobeying A Lawful Order of a Police Officer." It is the same for stoplights. (Randy Moss knows all about this).

Question: How come, when I travel in other states I see many "troopers," but when I come home to Minnesota, I don't seem to see very many? What's going on?

Answer: Minnesota ranks 47th in the nation for number of troopers per capita. That means we really need a lot more troopers! Less than 475

troopers actually patrol, and about half of those

might be off duty on any given day. The troopers that are on duty are probably very busy with crashes, motorist assists, other agency assists, court, report writing, and all of the other many things we do! Thanks for noticing!

Question: At a stoplight, when you have a (left) green arrow, then the arrow quits and you have a steady green light, you are now supposed to yield to the oncoming traffic who is not turning, and who also has a green light. I see many near crashes because people keep turning left in front of the oncoming traffic. This is illegal and very dangerous. Can you address it in your column?

Answer: You just did a great job,...thank you!

If you have any questions for future columns concerning motor vehicle traffic in Minnesota, please send your questions to: "ASK A TROOPER" c/o Trooper Curt S. Mowers 1991 Industrial Park Rd So. P.O. Box 644 Brainerd, MN 56401. Questions may be edited for space and content.