MnDPS
DPS Media Availability: State Patrol Seeks Info to Solve Fatal Hit-And-Run in Aitkin County
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: State Patrol Seeks Info to Solve Fatal Hit-And-Run in Aitkin County
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl in Aitkin County Friday night. Caylin Donovan of Lake Park, Minn., was struck and killed just before 8 p.m. while walking on Highway 18 near Mille Lacs Lake.
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area on June 10 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to call Lt. Adam Fulton at 218-316-3025 with any information about the incident or if they saw Caylin before the crash.
Col. Matt Langer, Chief of the State Patrol, was available to talk about the crash and discuss efforts to locate the vehicle. It’s possible the driver might not be aware that they were involved in the crash.
The State Patrol is being assisted by the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota BCA.
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- DPS Media Availability: Secure Your Load for the Road
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Transportation held a media availability to remind motorists that securing your load is not an option.
Officials also showed examples of items recently lost from vehicles that landed on Minnesota roadways. It’s the law in Minnesota to secure any load on a vehicle or trailer.
According to the U.S. Department of transportation, at 55 miles per hour, an object weighing just 20 pounds that falls from a vehicles strikes with an impact of half a ton.
Now imagine that object being a mattress, ladder, or some type of equipment. For Robin Abel of Seattle, WA, it became reality when her daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load. Robin’s efforts have inspired the inaugural Secure Your Load Day on June 6.
- Title
- SPEAK UP: Seat Belts Save Lives - Buckle Up. Every Seat. Every Time.
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Kianna Stewart of Red Wing, who fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed her vehicle in August 2015, believes she would not be alive today had she decided not to buckle up.
“A seat belt is a decision that could save your life. If I wasn’t wearing mine, I don’t think I would be here to tell people to put one on,” said Stewart. “I don’t think I would’ve had a chance to survive."
During a crash, an unbelted motorist becomes a projectile in the vehicle, potentially injuring others. An unbelted motorist also risks being ejected from the vehicle.
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Crash Survivors Urge Everyone to Buckle Up
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Taking three seconds to click on your seat belt could save your life. Just ask those who have experienced horrific crashes and lived to tell their stories.
Four Minnesotans Saved by the Belt will join the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety to announce the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign that runs May 23 – June 5.
In 2015, 77 percent of motorists who were ejected or partially ejected and died were not wearing a seat belt. If not for their belt, these survivors could have been ejected from their vehicle, giving them little to no chance of survival.
The survivors shared their stories about the simple decision that allowed them to come home to their loved ones.
- Title
- DPS MIC'D UP: Inside Look At Motorcycle Rider Training Course
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Get an inside look at MMSC’s Basic Rider Course. The new MMSC video in the DPS MIC’D UP series shows beginning riders as they navigate a motorcycle, some for the first time, and learn basic riding skills. The video highlights some of the exercises students master during the 14.5 hour course.
“We’re trying to give you the basics so you can go out and practice and become a good safe motorcycle rider,” Greg Lane, MSF-Certified RiderCoach, says.
Riders can take the Basic Rider Course now through September and earn their motorcycle endorsement this motorcycle season. Find a training site and register for a course at www.motorcyclesafety.org
- Title
- MSP Dashcam: Good Samaritan, Trooper Rescues Semi Driver from Fiery Crash
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Ron Richards was directing traffic on the afternoon of Aug. 31, 2015, for a funeral procession along Hwy 60 in Jackson County when a semi-truck driver slammed into a stopped truck and caught fire.
Sgt. Richards radioed for assistance and went to the semi driver, who was screaming for help.
Paul Langseth of Worthington heard the crash and ran to provide assistance. He and Sgt. Richards forced open the door of the semi, and the two worked together to free the driver from the burning truck and move him to a safe location.
Sgt. Richards said he would not have been able to do it without Paul’s help.
- Title
- Start Seeing Motorcyclists: Look Twice. Save A Life. (:30)
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Marijuana Wax Seizures Surge Significantly in Minnesota
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Department of Public Safety held a news conference to discuss the significant rise in marijuana wax seizures in Minnesota. Public safety and health care officials discussed the dangers of using and manufacturing marijuana wax and how to recognize the product.
Marijuana wax is a street name for marijuana concentrates. It contains high levels of THC (30 – 90 percent) and the manufacturing process can be extremely dangerous.
In just the first quarter of 2016, the Northwest Metro Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET), seized more than 12 pounds of marijuana concentrates.
Officials from the Northwest Metro VCET also had different types of marijuana concentrates available for the media to view. Educating parents and the public on what the product looks like is important to help fight the growing marijuana wax problem.
- Title
- SPEAK UP: DISTRACTED DRIVING - DREAM
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- SPEAK UP: DISTRACTED DRIVING - REGRET
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Minnesotans Unite Against Distracted Driving
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Distracted driving is a personal choice that can have a tragic ripple effect — loss of life, serious injuries, devastated families, and a human and financial impact on the surrounding community.
More than 30 Minnesota organizations, ranging from Fortune 500 to local businesses, are joining the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies statewide to take a stand against texting while driving and influence motorists to pay attention behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, contributing to one in four crashes in the state.
KEY FACTS:
• In a five year period (2010 – 2014), 328 people lost their lives and 1,138 people suffered life-changing injuries in distracted driving-related crashes.
• During the 2015 extra enforcement distracted driving campaign, law enforcement cited 909 drivers for texting and driving, a 65 percent increase over the previous year (550).
- Title
- DPS MIC'D UP: Inside the State Emergency Operations Center
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- What happens when disaster strikes in Minnesota?
Go inside the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during a simulated activation that shows what Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) staff do to coordinate the state’s response when an emergency situation occurs.
This behind-the-scenes video is the first in a series that highlights the different divisions within the Department of Public Safety.
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Potent Heroin Causing Alarm Across Minnesota
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Recent heroin deaths across central Minnesota bring to light a statewide heroin problem that law enforcement fears will only worsen.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with local law enforcement held a news conference to talk about the recent deaths, the deadly form of heroin sweeping the state and released statewide heroin numbers.
• Heroin seizures since 2011 up 125 percent in the state
• Heroin blamed for a number of recent deaths in Minnesota
• BCA investigating origin of heroin
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: Distracted Driving Continues to Shatter Lives
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Col. Matt Langer, the chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, discussed the tragic crash that took the life of a young single mother.
The State Patrol is investigating the fatal crash where distractions are suspected of causing the death of a 22-year-old woman from Hudson, Wisconsin.
The 20-year-old driver, who is cooperating with investigators, indicated that he may have been distracted in the vehicle when he lost control of his car and landed on top of the victim’s vehicle.
The crash brings the overall 2016 preliminary fatal count to 50 traffic deaths in Minnesota -- compared with 31 reported at this time last year.
In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts and emails, as well as access the web while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. This includes sitting at a stoplight or stopped in traffic.
- Title
- MSP Dash Cam: Train Strikes Semi-Truck in Mountain Iron
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- A trooper’s dash cam captures the terrifying moment a train slams into a semitrailer whose driver ignored the red flashing lights and drove onto the tracks last month in northern Minnesota.
- Title
- DWI Confessions: Jail
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- DPS/MnDOT Media Availability: Winter Snow Storm Travel Update
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- As snow sweeps its way across Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety asks motorists to stay off the road if at all possible.
The Department of Public Safety and Minnesota Department of Transportation held a media availability to discuss travel conditions across Minnesota.
If you must travel, remember to:
• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Give yourself extra driving distance between vehicles.
• Stay back from plows and let them do their job.
• Slow down! The faster you are going, the longer it will take you to come to a stop in slick conditions.
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: MSP Introduces Explosives Detecting K-9 Officer
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- In a continuing effort to keep citizens safe, the Minnesota State Patrol has assigned the department’s only explosives detecting K-9 to the State Capitol area.
Matka became the first K-9 to be assigned to the Capitol after completing her 10-week training in December. Matka is a Hungarian vizsla.
Trooper Kaj Meinhardt will partner with Matka to patrol the grounds, respond to suspicious packages and be available to assist in any unexpected threats.
Trooper Meinhardt, Matka and her trainers demonstrated her skills and discussed her role at the Capitol during the media availability.
The State Capitol is the center of government in our state with VIPs, members of the general public and people from across the country visiting the grounds each day.
Trooper Meinhardt and Matka join a team of 67 Capitol security members who dedicate their lives to making the grounds safe.
...
- Title
- Locked Up: A DWI Booking
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- “Locked Up: A DWI Booking,” gives you an inside look at the DWI booking process. Being arrested for a DWI involves more than just getting a ticket.
An offender is handcuffed and placed in a jail uniform, and their mugshot and fingerprints are entered into the FBI data base.
A DWI can cost you thousands, not to mention the shame and humiliation of going through the system.
The video produced by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office hopes to encourages drivers to line up a sober ride today and always.
- Title
- Media Availability: Potent Winter Storm Expected to Hit Minnesota
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- National Weather Service, Minnesota State Patrol and Minnesota Department of Transportation officials held a media availability to discuss the pending snowstorm and winter driving tips.
The storm could drop up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the state, including up to four inches in the metro area, starting Monday afternoon and into Tuesday morning.
Minnesota State Patrol troopers typically respond to hundreds of crashes during winter storms. Following these simple driving tips can help avoid a crash or ending up in the ditch:
• Slow down and drive at safe speeds according to the road conditions.
• Increase the safe stopping distance between vehicles.
• Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured tightly.
• Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor.
• If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.
- Title
- DWI Confessions: Career
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- DPS Video: Only One Choice
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Students from Chanhassen High School and Chaska High School have an important message for parents about the dangers of drunk driving. The video - “Only One Choice” - shows how parents can be a part of their kids’ lives — now and for years to come.
So when it comes to drinking alcohol, there is only one choice, that’s choosing to line up a sober ride home.
TO PREVENT DRUNK DRIVING:
• Plan for a safe ride – designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• Buckle up – the best defense against a drunk driver.
• Report drunk driving – call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.
- Title
- Dash Cam: Yellow Medicine County DWI Crash
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A motorist narrowly avoided a serious crash when a drunk driver blew through a stop sign in Yellow Medicine County on September 10.
Sheriff’s Deputy Marshall Doyle was following a vehicle heading east on Minnesota Highway 67 near the intersection of Yellow Medicine County Road 8 on September 10 when his dashcam captured this video.
The driver of the white car was arrested and has pled guilty to DWI.
- Title
- Travel Alert: Refresh Your Safe Winter Driving Skills
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- White-knuckled driving has returned to Minnesota roads.
In this video, Lt. Tiffani Schweigart has some winter driving reminders for every motorist.
Don’t blame the snow. Snow doesn’t cause crashes, poor driving decisions do. Slow down & increase your following distance. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/winter-driving/Pages/default.aspx #mnstorm
Tips to avoid crashes:
• Slow down.
• Increase following distance in bad weather.
• Drive to the conditions of the road.
• Pay attention.
• Buckle up.
• Drive Sober.
Be Prepared
A winter survival kit can help you in an unexpected crash or stall to your vehicle: http://bit.ly/1da1e4r
- Title
- News Conference: Going 12 for Highway 12 Challenge
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Highway 12 Safety Coalition announced efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the highway by challenging motorists to go 12 months without a fatal crash.
In the past five years (2010 – 2014), there have been 12 fatal crashes on Highway 12 resulting in 16 deaths. The 38 mile stretch in Wright and Hennepin Counties has the highest fatal crash rate in the metro, compared with similar highways.
With growing concern over road fatalities, the Highway 12 Safety Coalition formed in 2014, combining experts and resources from both Hennepin and Wright Counties.
Following two fatal crashes in one week in December of 2014, rumble strips were installed along portions of Highway 12. Despite the added safety features, three more lives were lost in August 2015, including Liz Squire’s sister, Chelsea Langhans, who died in a head-on collision.
To improve safety on the highway that stretches through 10 communities, the coalition is ...
- Title
- DPS News Conference: DWI Offender, Victim's Daughter Speak Up Against Drunk Driving
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Craig Barnd took the life of Nancy Robling, a wife and mother of four, in a drunk driving crash.
More than a decade later, Nancy’s daughter, Courtney Pogones, still feels like she’s that 12-year-old girl, waiting for a mom that never came to pick her up from basketball practice.
As the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) kicks off extra DWI enforcement, two families connected by tragedy untied for the first time to say enough is enough when it comes to drunk driving.
Speaking for the first time to media, Barnd shared his story and joined Pogones with a message to help stop the loss of life and heartache caused by drunk driving.
Most people think about a sober ride home when making their New Year’s plans, but statistics show motorists need to pay just as much attention to other holidays. The percentage of drunk-driving related deaths compared with total traffic fatalities is significantly higher for T...
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- DPS Media Availability: New Unmarked State Patrol Cars to Catch Distracted Drivers
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- In 2014, driver inattention contributed to 61 deaths and nearly eight thousand injuries on Minnesota roads. In the last three months, the Minnesota State Patrol has investigated at least two deadly crashes where driver distraction was suspected.
To save lives and protect motorists, the Minnesota State Patrol is adding five new unmarked squad cars to specifically target the dangerous behavior.
Troopers across the state understand the frustration of motorists who continue to watch others text, surf the web or participate in other distractions while driving.
- Title
- Saved By the Belt: A Teen's Survival Story
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Seventeen-year-old Kianna Stewart of Red Wing, who fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed her vehicle in August, believes she would not be alive today had she decided not to buckle up.
“A seat belt is a decision that could save your life. If I wasn’t wearing mine, I don’t think I would be here to tell people to put one on,” said Stewart. “This wouldn’t have ended the way it did. I don’t think I would’ve had a chance to survive. I would have been rolled over by my car if I wasn’t kept in by my seat belt.”
During a crash, an unbelted motorist becomes a projectile in the vehicle, potentially injuring others. An unbelted motorist also risks being ejected from the vehicle. In 2014, 94 percent of vehicle occupants who were ejected or partially ejected and died were not wearing seat belts.
- Title
- Helicopter Rescue: Troopers, St. Paul Fire Rescue Hiker Near Split Rock Lighthouse
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Minnesota State Patrol and St. Paul Fire Department assisted in the rescue Monday afternoon of a female who fell and was injured while hiking in a wooded area south of Split Rock Lighthouse in Silver Bay.
The Minnesota State Patrol and the St. Paul Fire department partner to form the Minnesota Aviation Rescue Team (MART). MART supports local agencies statewide in rescue efforts when aerial support is needed.
The MART was assisting the Lake County Rescue Squad, which was unable to move the woman due to her injured hip and rough terrain. The helicopter was able to move the woman from the rocky area where she fell to a nearby parking lot with a waiting ambulance.
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Get to Know Your ABVs - Not All Alcoholic Beverages Are Created Equal
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Division (DPS – AGED) held a news conference to remind the public that not all alcoholic drinks are equal.
Even the most experienced drinker can unknowingly consume more than they intended. The amount of alcohol in a typical craft beer is equivalent to drinking two regular 12 ounce beers that contain five percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
At the University of Minnesota, police are focused on educating students and part of that education involves the responsible consumption of alcohol.
University of Minnesota police also discussed their efforts to educate inexperienced drinkers and provide alternative ways home for impaired students.
In Minnesota, each year an average of 73 people die from alcohol poisoning and we are one of the top states for alcohol-poisoning deaths per-million-people in the country according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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- DPS Media Availability: State Patrol Thanks Good Samaritan, Trooper for Life Saving Actions
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety held a media availability with Good Samaritan Paul Langseth who helped Minnesota State Trooper Ron Richards save a semi-truck driver's life.
Sgt. Richards was holding traffic for a funeral procession on Highway 60 at 400th Ave. in Windom when the semi-truck driver failed to stop for traffic and rear-ended another stopped semi on Monday afternoon.
With the striking semi in flames, Trooper Richards and Mr. Langseth ran to the burning truck and pulled the driver to safety.
Trooper Richards believes he would not have been able to rescue the injured semi-truck driver without the help of Mr. Langseth.
The following is a statement from Michael Junker who was pulled to safety by Sgt. Richards and Mr. Langseth.
“I would like to thank Trooper Richards and Mr. Paul Langseth for their heroic actions Monday afternoon. Without their help I sincerely believe I would not be here today. I al...
- Title
- 15 Years Later: Ted Foss Move Over Law Helps Save Lives
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss lost his life fifteen years ago when he was struck by a passing vehicle during a traffic stop on the shoulder of Interstate 90 in Winona. On Monday, Aug. 31, extra enforcement of the Ted Foss Move Over law will raise awareness of this important law and keep others safe whose jobs require them to work on the shoulder of a road.
The Ted Foss Move Over law requires that on a road with two or more lanes going the same direction, drivers must move over one full lane from stopped emergency vehicles that have their flashing lights activated. That includes ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance, construction vehicles and tow trucks. If it is not safe to move over, the driver should slow down.
At a news conference in Rochester, Shirley Foss, the 88-year old mother of Ted, described the pain she still feels fifteen years after losing her son. Shirley wants Minnesotans to understand why that extra buffer of space is so important.
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Mother of Trooper Ted Foss Reminds Motorists to Move Over
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Every day, law enforcement, emergency workers and road crews risk their lives to assist the public and improve our roads.
In an effort to keep those working on the side of the road and motorists safe, the Minnesota State Patrol held a news conference to remind drivers to move over or slow down when seeing flashing lights ahead.
On Monday, Aug. 31, there will be increased enforcement of the Ted Foss Move Over law, the 15 year anniversary of the death of State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss.
Minnesota established the Ted Foss Move Over law in honor of Corporal Foss, a 15 year veteran of the State Patrol, who was hit and killed by a passing vehicle in 2000 during a traffic stop on the shoulder of Interstate 90 in Winona.
Fifteen years later, Shirley Foss still hopes her son walks through the door. Foss has made it her life’s mission to educate motorists to move over for emergency vehicles.
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Extra DWI Patrols on Minnesota Roads through Labor Day
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Nobody gets behind the wheel with the intent to kill someone in a traffic crash, but in the last five years (2010 – 2014), 479 people have lost their lives in drunk driving-related traffic crashes in Minnesota, including 88 people in 2014.
In an effort to stop drunk drivers before they take a life, the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) held a news conference to announce enhanced DWI enforcement on Minnesota roads August 21 – Sept. 7.
Media and mall shoppers had an opportunity to experience the dangers of impaired driving by wearing “drunk goggles," while maneuvering a peddle cart through a closed course. The goggles simulate what it’s like to drive while impaired. Troopers and officers also provided field sobriety tests for those wearing the goggles.
Alcohol is the leading cause of fatalities on Minnesota roads with one in four deaths drunk driving related.
2014 Crash Statistics:
• 2,040 pe...
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: Repeat Texting and Driving Offenders Face Steeper Fine in Minnesota
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Department of Public Safety held a media availability to discuss the increased fine for texting and driving.
The new law was passed by the Legislature earlier this year and signed by Governor Mark Dayton. It takes effect on August 1.
Under the enhanced law, drivers face a $225 fine for second and subsequent violations of the texting while driving law, in addition to the current $50 fine.
The increased fine is meant to encourage drivers who repeatedly risk the safety of all motorists to put the phone down.
Matthew Riggs lost his brother and best friend, David, to a texting driver in 2013. David wasn’t afraid to tell people to put the phone down, but his voice can no longer be heard.
The Riggs family hopes the higher fine helps keep other families from suffering a similar loss.
- Title
- Putting the Brakes on Speeders - Speak Up About Slowing Down
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Summer is a deadly time for speeders. That's why Minnesota Department of Public Safety officials are asking Minnesotans to speak up about slowing down.
Car crashes can be horrific, but they are even worse when vehicle speeds increase. On average, 28 people lose their lives and 79 people suffer severe injuries during the three month summer period (June – August) due to unsafe speeds on Minnesota roads.
“We live in a fast-paced society, and we understand people are in a hurry to get to their destinations,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “However, statistics show faster speeds don’t save much time. Slow down and drive the speed limit, as we all want to arrive alive instead of not arriving at all.”
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Commissioner Dohman Seeks Help from Motorists
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Following a deadly first six months on Minnesota roads, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman is asking motorists to take responsibility and make a commitment to safe driving.
The release of Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2014 by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety on Thursday showed significant progress in improving traffic safety on Minnesota roads. The state saw its lowest number of fatalities since World War II.
The encouraging 2014 news stands in stark contrast to the 2015 numbers to date, raising an urgent call for Minnesotans not to become complacent and to pay attention, buckle up, plan for a sober ride and slow down.
• The overall trend of road fatalities continues to fall but fatalities are up 18 percent over this time last year.
• 361 people lost their lives in 2014 compared to 387 in 2013, a seven percent decline from last year and a 36 percent drop since 2004 (567).
2014...
- Title
- Speak Up: Slow Down, Obey the Speed Limit
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Car crashes can be horrific, but they are even worse when vehicle speeds increase.
On average, 28 people lose their lives and 79 people suffer severe injuries during the three month summer period (June – August) due to unsafe speeds on Minnesota roads.
To keep motorists safe this summer, more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state will be conducting increased speed patrols July 10 – 26. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety coordinates the enforcement and education effort.
“We live in a fast-paced society, and we understand people are in a hurry to get to their destinations,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “However, statistics show faster speeds don’t save much time. Slow down and drive the speed limit, as we all want to arrive alive instead of not arriving at all.”
- Title
- DPS News Conference: Extra Speed Enforcement on Minnesota Roads
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The blue skies, sunny days and dry roads can be a recipe for disaster during the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads. Speed is a major factor in summer crashes, contributing to an average of 28 deaths during the three month summer period (June – August).
The Department of Public Safety held a news conference to announce extra speed enforcement on Minnesota roads July 10 - 26.
CRASH FACTS:
• Speed contributes to an average of 105 deaths and 284 serious injuries a year.
• Speed contributes to one out of every five fatalities.
• Males ages 15 – 24 account for 25 percent of all speed related fatalities (2005 – 2014).
- Title
- Now Hiring: State Patrol Seeks New Troopers - Apply Today!
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Looking for a new career that can help save lives? Do have a two or four year degree from a regionally accredited college or university? Checkout the Minnesota State Patrol's Law Enforcement Training Opportunity.
Being a State Trooper isn't for everyone, but it may be for you! Learn more at www.mntrooper.com.
#IWantThatHat
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: After Killing Mother of Two, Distracted Driver Speaks Up
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- On June 30, 2014, Chris Weber picked up his cell phone while driving in Rock County to make a bank transaction. His choice led to the crash that killed Andrea Boeve, a mother of two who was bicycling with her young daughters in Rock County at the time.
Weber, who was recently released from jail, spoke at a Minnesota Department of Public Safety media availability about the dangers of distracted driving.
"Before the crash, people on the phone didn't bother me because I was one of them,” Weber told the media. “Never thought in a million years this would be me. Not once. All it took was one phone call."
Not even one second. That’s all the time it took for Chris Weber to end a woman’s life.
Hear from Andrea's husband Matt in a powerful video about the crash here: https://youtu.be/mKKw-Q1M80o
- Title
- Shattered Dreams: Distracted Driving Changes Lives
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Shattered Dreams: Distracted Driving Changes Lives, sends a powerful message about the lives destroyed by distracted driving.
On June 30, 2014, Chris Weber picked up his cell phone while driving in Rock County to make a bank transaction. His choice led to the crash that killed Andrea Boeve, a mother of two who was bicycling with her young daughters in Rock County at the time.
The video includes interviews with Andrea’s husband Matt and Chris Weber.
- Title
- Seat Belts Save Lives: Inside Look of Rollover Crash
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- While most Minnesota motorists are making the right choice, lack of seat belt use still contributes to about half of all motorists killed each year.
Using the Minnesota State Patrol’s rollover simulator, this video demonstrates what happens to a person who is belted versus someone who is not wearing their seat belt. Watch as an unbelted crash test dummy tumbles inside the simulator, and see how a dummy that is not properly buckled, can be thrown from a vehicle.
CRASH FACTS:
In a crash, odds are four-times greater for injury if a motorist is not buckled up. Additional preliminary figures show:
• In 2014, 86 percent of unbelted deaths occurred in Greater Minnesota.
• From 2012 – 2014, 823 people were killed in Minnesota and only 52 percent were known to be belted.
• In 2014, 67 percent of drunk drivers who were killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
Minnesota law states that drivers ...
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- DPS News Conference: BCA IDs Murder Victim, Seeks Info from Public
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension held a news conference regarding the recent discovery of a woman’s body in Gooseberry Falls State Park, her identification through DNA as a long missing Minneapolis woman, and the resulting homicide investigation that's now underway.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the murder of a Minneapolis woman whose remains were found in Gooseberry Falls State Park. Investigators believe she was murdered near the time she disappeared.
On May 6, 2014, an off-duty Lake County Sheriff’s Office employee discovered the skeletal remains of a woman in a rarely-traveled part of the park. Based on examinations of the remains by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office and a forensic anthropologist, investigators determined that the individual had been the victim of homicide.
In August 2014, BCA scientists matched DN...
- Title
- Highlights: Minnesota State Patrol 56th Training Academy Graduation
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The 56th Minnesota State Patrol Academy graduated 50 new State Patrol Troopers on May 19. Here are highlights from the emotional graduation ceremony.
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: State Fire Marshal, Burn Victim Urge Fire Safety
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A Minnesota woman severely burned in 2009 when someone dumped gasoline on a backyard fire in Braham, Minn., shared her story publicly for the first time in hopes it will prevent others from the same painful and life-changing experience.
Jessica Patterson joined Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division officials at a media availability to encourage safety around campfires and bonfires as we gear up for the long Memorial Day weekend. State Fire Marshal Bruce West also provided safety tips.
Hundreds of people are injured every summer while gathered around campfires or bonfires in Minnesota. Between 2005 and 2014, there were nine deaths in Minnesota related to campfires, bonfires or fire pits.
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: Rollover Simulator Shows Seat Belts Save Lives
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Choosing not to wear your seat belt can lead to serious consequences during a crash, not only for the individual but for others in the vehicle as well.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety held a news conference to announce the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign that runs May 18 – 31.
Crash facts:
• Lack of seat belt use is a contributing factor in about half of all motorists killed.
• In a crash, odds are four-times greater for injury if a motorist is not buckled up.
• From 2012 – 2014, 823 people were killed in Minnesota and only 52 percent were known to be belted.
• In 2014, 86 percent of unbelted deaths occurred in Greater Minnesota.
• In the last five years (2010 – 2014), of the 22 children ages 0 – 7 killed in traffic crashes, only 55 percent were property restrained, and only 37 percent of the 60 children seriously injured were properly secured.
- Title
- Reducing the Risk: Hazard Mitigation at Work
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Speak Up: Texting + Driving = Illegal
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Put the phone down and pay attention to driving when you're behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is a leading factor in crashes each year in Minnesota. Law enforcement is the last line of defense when it comes to distracted driving and officers encourage anyone riding with a distracted driver to speak up.
“We all must do our part to change the behaviors of drivers who choose to text while driving,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Speak up, tell your friends and loved ones to put the phone down, before it’s too late.”
- Title
- DPS Media Availability: Speak Up - Distracted Driving Changes Lives
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Drivers with their eyes on their phones will discover that law enforcement will have their eyes on them during an upcoming extra distracted driving enforcement campaign in Minnesota.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a news conference Thursday to announce the statewide campaign that runs April 13-18.
Media also had the opportunity to experience first-hand the dangers of texting and driving on a course that highlights the seriousness of distracted driving.
More than 86,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2009 – 2013. That equals 25 percent of all crashes. If you injure or kill someone because of texting and driving, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
