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Saturday, October 28, 2006
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Following
too close? ASK THE TROOPER By SGT. CURT MOWERS Minnesota State Patrol Question: It just seems to me that a lot of drivers are following other vehicles dangerously close. There has to be some laws about this, so can you talk about it so people will know?
Answer: Minnesota statutes are clear on this. The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.
In defensive driving courses, we teach drivers to count to at least a minimum of three seconds from the time the vehicle in front of them passes a stationary object. They should not get to that same place within the three seconds or they are following too close. That adjusts itself for any speed limit/zone.
Our statutes also state that the driver of any motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, or the driver of any motor truck or bus, when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, shall not follow within 500 feet of another vehicle. The provisions of this clause shall not be construed to prevent overtaking and passing nor shall the same apply upon any lane specially designated for use by motor trucks. In short, anyone pulling a trailer falls under the 500 foot following rule.
I also will add that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle that is traveling in response to an emergency. Most ambulances aren't driving that fast and some people tend to follow them sometimes. This law puts a 500-foot limit on it. It is never a good idea to follow any emergency vehicle at any time.
If you have any questions for future columns concerning motor vehicle traffic in Minnesota, send your questions to: "Ask a trooper," c/o Sgt. Curt S. Mowers, Minnesota State Patrol, P.O. Box 644, Brainerd, MN 56401. Questions are edited.
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