Question: When I learned to drive 50 years ago, my Driver’s Ed teacher instructed me to pull into the intersection on a green light, even when there was oncoming traffic, to attempt to make a left turn. I still practice this, green arrows or not. I actually asked a driver’s test person at the DMV office about this and was told I am correct, you are supposed to pull into the intersection. However, it drives (no pun intended) me crazy when people sit at a green light and stay out of the intersection, causing only that one car to get through the green light, leaving many other cars behind them to wait for another green light.
Answer: What was taught 50 years ago is still being taught today according to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. Signaling is for the purpose of communicating to other motorists what you (as a driver) are going to do. Some drivers signal their turns too late or don’t signal their turns at all.
When attempting to make a left turn at an intersection, the manual reads: . When waiting to make a left turn at a green traffic light with oncoming traffic, position the car into the intersection where your body appears even with the curb line. The only opportunity to make a left turn may occur when the green light changes to yellow. . While waiting to turn, keep your wheels straight and your foot on the brake. If your vehicle is struck from the rear, you will be less likely to be pushed into oncoming traffic. . Continue signaling until you begin your turn. . Do not make sudden turns from the wrong lane of traffic. . Watch for traffic or obstacles in the road you plan to enter. . Always finish your turn in the correct lane. . If the car ahead of you is signaling for a left turn, slow down and prepare to stop.
Remember, Minnesota law requires a driver to signal his intention to turn continuously during the turn at least 100 feet prior to the turn.
In some cases, signaling 100 feet might not be good enough. Each driver must determine for each circumstance how far ahead of time he should signal.
Using our signals consistently and correctly can aid in avoiding many crashes, some of which may be serious or fatal. Also, make it a habit to periodically check all the lights on your vehicle and replace them when needed.
Question: My ex-husband was pulled over a few months back and charged with a DWI. Per his report he paid just about $1,000 in fines prior to his court date. In court he was fined another $400 AND THAT WAS IT! He was not ordered to place the “whiskey plates” on his truck. He had a suspended license for a measly 30 days.
My question for you: Is this truly all the regulation placed on a person who is arrested for drunk driving? This sort of thing makes my stomach turn flips. People are not being held accountable for their actions and are given a slap on the wrist for poor decision making skills. In this day and age there is no excuse for driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Answer: In my career, I have investigated far too many crashes where someone was seriously injured or killed as a result of a driver’s decision to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence.
In Minnesota, it’s against the law for a person who is under the influence of alcohol, controlled, or hazardous substances to operate a motor vehicle. The severity of the offense increases depending on impairment level and past DWI convictions.
If convicted of impaired driving, the penalty for a first offense is up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
If the driver has prior DWI convictions, the penalties increase to 2-7 years in jail and/or fines of $3,000- $14,000.
Refusal to submit to a chemical test may also result in a fine and jail time.
Along with possible fines and jail time, a driver’s license will be revoked from 3 months – 4 years. The offender may also lose his license plates and car and their insurance costs will increase.
Minnesota law enforcement officers are trained to identify drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and we are committed to taking impaired drivers off the road before they injure or kill themselves and others. If a person chooses to operate a motor vehicle while impaired from alcohol or drugs, he will face consequences.
If a person feels the effects of anything that impairs his ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, he needs to make the right choice and not get behind the wheel. They should ride with a sober driver, take a safe, alternative transportation option or stay at the location of the party. The best thing to do is to plan ahead for a sober ride before going out to have a good time.
A portion of state statutes was 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. (You can follow me on Twitter @MSPPIO_ NE or reach me at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us).
Leave a Reply