Itasca County Toward Zero Deaths

Yard work season is in full swing, and as we fire up our mowers and tidy up our lawns, it is important to keep in mind that grass clippings on the road can be deadly for motorcyclists. Even when they look dry, grass clippings are still about 85% water, making them as slick as ice. Add a little rain, and they become even more dangerous, especially on curves or during sudden stops.
It could also be considered illegal to put the grass on the roadway by statute 169.42.

Preventing this is simple:
• Mow with intention: Make your last pass the one closest to the street, so clippings stay on your lawn.
• Aim wisely: Position your mower to blow clippings back into the yard. They naturally fertilize and hydrate your lawn as they decompose, so it's a bonus!

Most people don’t intend to create a dangerous situation, so with a little extra care, we can make our roads safer for everyone during motorcycle season. Thanks for doing your part as we work together to move Minnesota toward zero deaths.

We're now in the "100 deadliest days" on our roadways that goes from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is increased travel so more people on the roads and often in unfamiliar areas. Please buckle up, plan ahead, take your time and don't drive distracted.

Get ready to roll! Bike to Work Day is a fun, healthy way to commute and connect with other riders. Whether you're a daily cyclist or trying it for the first time, join the celebration on Friday, May 16! It is a great opportunity to celebrate active transportation, reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier lifestyle. It is also an important time to remind cyclists, drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and share the road safely.

For drivers:
• Slow down near cyclists and give them at least 3 feet of space when passing.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or opening your door.
• Yield to cyclists just as you would to any other vehicle.

For cyclists:
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use hand signals when turning.
• Wear a helmet and stay visible with lights or reflective gear.
• Always assume the driver of a vehicle doesn't see you even at marked crossings.

Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe for everyone — no matter how they get to work. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Thoughts like this keeping you up at night? Drive sober. Slow down. Don't drive distracted. The weather's getting hotter and so is enforcement. Let's all keep our roadways safe!

Tuesday, April 22nd is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Remember patience, safety and understanding. Thank you for all of those who transport our children!

This Sunday is “420”, a day often recognized by cannabis consumers. If you’re planning to celebrate, make a plan to stay safe and not get behind the wheel. Impaired is impaired, regardless of the substance, and driving high is a DWI in Minnesota. The effects of driving high can include slowed reaction time, difficulties in road tracking, and impaired decision-making. These could all lead to a serious crash.

Stay safe on 420 or any day by:
• Planning ahead: If you plan to use any impairing substance, arrange a sober ride, or stay at the place of the celebration.
• Speaking up: Step in if you see someone about to drive impaired — your voice could save a life.
• Staying alert: Keep your eyes and attention on the road at all times.

No matter the date or situation, driving under the influence of cannabis or any drug is both dangerous and illegal. Let’s keep our roads safe for ourselves, our coworkers and our communities.

As annual bridge inspections get underway across Minnesota, expect to see more orange cones, lane closures and workers just feet from moving vehicles. These workers rely on drivers to give them the space needed to perform their jobs safely. That is why it is important to stay alert and move over for crews working near traffic. Distracted driving in or near work zones puts everyone at risk, including you, your passengers, other motorists, and the crews working to keep roadways safe and maintained. Staying focused behind the wheel is critical — no phones, no distractions, no exceptions.

Work Zone Safety Reminders:
• Obey speed limits – Speeding in a work zone carries a $300 fine.
• Stay focused – Avoid distractions like cell phones, adjusting the radio or eating.
• Move over – Give crews space to work safely – it’s the law.
• Plan ahead – Check 511mn.org for real-time road conditions.
• Be patient – Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Use the zipper merge and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter closed roads blocked by barriers or cones.

Let’s make safety a priority wherever we drive — whether on the job or off the clock. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Distracted Driving Enforcement began April 1st.
Distracted driving remains a serious danger on Minnesota roads, and it's preventable. Whether it’s checking a text, scrolling social media, or even eating while driving, distractions put lives at risk. That’s why law enforcement agencies statewide will participate in a distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign from April 1-30 to help keep our roads safe.

The Facts:
• In 2024, distracted driving contributed to at least 29 fatal crashes and an estimated 137 serious injuries in Minnesota.
• From 2019-2024, Minnesota law enforcement issued 115,643 distracted driving citations.
• Hands-free is the law, but hands-free doesn’t mean distraction-free—staying fully focused on driving is critical.

What You Need to Know:
• Hands-Free Law: Drivers cannot hold a phone while driving, including for texting, social media, or video streaming—even in hands-free mode
• Fines & Penalties: A first offense starts at $100+ in fines, while a second offense costs $300+. Causing injury or death due to distracted driving can result in felony charges.

Safe Driving Tips:
• Put your phone away or enable “Do Not Disturb” mode.
• Set up GPS and music before driving.
• Avoid eating or other distractions while behind the wheel.
• Speak up if you’re a passenger and see a driver being distracted.

We all have a role in making Minnesota roads safer. Let’s commit to driving distraction-free—not just during this enforcement period, but every time we get behind the wheel.

April Fools? Crashes are no joke. Focus on the road!

SPRING FORWARD WITH
CARE, DROWSY DRIVERS
MAY BE THERE

Vehicle safety recalls aren’t just about repairs – they are also about preventing crashes and saving lives. If safety features and equipment such as brakes, airbags, steering components or child seats are faulty, they can turn a routine drive into a serious crash. Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, which runs March 3-9, focuses on educating drivers about the importance of regular recall checks. Vehicle safety recalls are more common than you think, and ignoring them can put you, your passengers and others on the road at risk. That’s why it’s critical to check your vehicle for recalls regularly. It’s fast and easy – and if there’s an open recall, your dealership will also fix it for free.

To learn if there are any recalls on your vehicle, visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls and search by:

• license plate
• vehicle identification number
• vehicle year, make and model
• equipment type such as car seats, tires, or other equipment

Take a minute today to check your vehicle and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Recalls | NHTSA Use our VIN lookup tool to check for recalls on your car, or search by make and model. Also, get recall information on car seats, tires and equipment.

With the warmer-than-usual weather, melting snow during the day can quickly refreeze as temperatures drop at night, creating icy and dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks.

Drivers:
• Be extra cautious, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas where ice can form unexpectedly.
• Keep a safe following distance.
• Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns.

Pedestrians:
• Watch your step, as sidewalks and parking lots can become slippery overnight.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Stay alert for hidden ice patches.

Stay safe and take it slow. Whether you are driving or walking – let’s prevent slips, falls and crashes!