Minnesota is average in driver safety within the United States. The 2021 report rated the state the 22nd out of the lowest number of fatal crashes in the country. The high population density in Minnesota has led to heavy traffic congestion on roads, influencing the number of collisions that occur.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety report indicates that speeding is the state's leading cause of car crashes. Additionally, impaired driving, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts are also common reasons for traffic fatalities in Minnesota. The state's concern about driver negligence has led to stringent laws and regulations that enforce traffic rules to ensure motorist safety on the road.
Some roads in Minnesota are notorious for high rates of car crashes, resulting in fatalities. These roads include:
If an accident occurs, drivers should follow these procedures to prevent further injury and property damage:
In case of an accident, motorists are advised to cautiously move their vehicles to a secure lane or the roadside close to the scene. This action can help minimize the likelihood of multiple-vehicle collisions.
Motorists should activate their car's hazard lights and use roadside flares, cones, or flags to warn other drivers of possible hazards.
State laws prohibit vehicle operators from leaving the scene after an accident. Drivers should remain at the collision scene until they give out their information.
Drivers should check if there were any casualties as a result of the collision. If anyone sustained severe injuries during the crash, others involved should not move them. Instead, those who can should call a medical emergency team for prompt assistance.
The state requires drivers to notify law enforcement within 24 hours if the traffic collision results in death, personal injury, or property damage worth $1,000 or higher.
Vehicle operators should take pictures of car crashes, including photos of the cars involved. These photographs could be important in establishing the accident's root cause and as proof in legal matters or insurance disputes.
In Minnesota, the law requires all parties involved in a traffic incident to exchange information. These contain names, addresses, telephone numbers, insurance information, and license numbers. Additionally, drivers should exchange vehicle information, including license plate number, vehicle identification number, and make and model of the car. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they should provide the owner's name and address. When a car is unattended, the driver must leave a written notice of their information on the vehicle.
Drivers are advised to look for an attorney to help them safeguard their rights from being infringed upon.
If a driver wants to file a compensation claim, they must inform their insurance provider.
Vehicle operators should keep all documents related to the accident if they require paperwork for a legal case or insurance matters.
Minnesota State has strict laws and regulations that ensure road safety for every individual. These laws include:
Impaired DrivingIn Minnesota, operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeding .08% results in a DUI offense for individuals above 21 years old.
The state forbids driving while under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicating substance.
Seatbelt LawMinnesota mandates that all vehicle occupants wear seat belts while the vehicle is in forward motion.
Drivers are responsible for any children under 14 years old. Children between eight and 14 must always be adequately secured in the vehicle.
Moreover, eight or younger children must be in a booster or child safety seat.
Teenage Driving LawsTeen drivers should be at least 16 years old before operating a vehicle in the state. Before obtaining an instruction permit, young drivers must finish a driving course and pass visual and written exams.
Novice and teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones and hands-free devices while driving unless in the case of an emergency or to report a crime.
During the initial six months, drivers should only carry one passenger under 20 years old unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Additionally, novice drivers can only have three passengers under 20 during the second six months unless supervised. However, the rule does not apply if the passengers are their immediate family members.
Novice drivers may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
It is illegal for teen drivers under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle after drinking.
Hands-Free LawThe state bans motorists from using handheld devices while driving to compose, read, send texts, or browse the internet unless the vehicle is fully stationary. Even when stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or light, drivers must refrain from using any handheld device.
Drivers can make calls or utilize handheld devices for navigation only when the phone is hands-free or in voice-activated mode.
Vehicle Insurance LawsVehicles must have a minimum liability insurance coverage when operating on the road. The coverage should cover any personal injury, death, or property damage during an accident.
MotorcyclistsIn Minnesota, riders must always wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.
The headlights must always be on when operating a motorcycle.
The state prohibits riders with a learner's permit from carrying passengers.
Riders holding a motorcycle permit are not allowed to ride at night.
Riders of motorized bicycles or motorcycles are prohibited from lane splitting even if there is adequate space between two vehicles ahead.
All Passengers must always wear a helmet.
Lane CampingOn multi-lane roads throughout the state, the left lane is designated exclusively for overtaking or passing other vehicles.
Cars in the left lane should move faster than those in the right lane.
Move Over LawDrivers are advised to reduce speed and change lanes when nearing a stationary police or emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.
If changing lanes is impossible, vehicles should decrease speed and carefully approach the car.
Minnesota shares most standard traffic laws with other states in the country. However, it also has weird regulations that are unique to the state. Some of these weird laws and regulations include:
Snow Plow headlights
Snowplow headlights are only allowed by vehicles that have and are using a snowplow. Drivers should cover or remove the lights if the plow is not in use.
Wearing seat belts when reversing
The state exclusively requires all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts if the car is moving forward. However, people do not need to wear a seat belt if the vehicle is reversing.
Driving barefoot
No law in Minnesota prohibits drivers from operating their vehicles barefoot. However, wearing shoes can help prevent foot injury while driving.
Riding in the cargo bed
Though it might be unsafe, the state has no laws prohibiting passengers from sitting in the cargo bed of a truck while it is in motion.
Having a windshield in a car
Minnesota has no rules preventing drivers from operating a vehicle without a windshield. However, every car that has a windshield must also have windshield wipers.