State Patrol officer offers important traffic safety reminders

It has been a difficult week for local law enforcement in the aftermath of the Sunday afternoon crash on Interstate 90 that left Nobles County Sheriff's Office Deputy Logan Waldner in critical condition.

Kenny Willers of the Minnesota State Patrol visited Radio Works on Wednesday morning. Willers said law enforcement officers always hope and pray something like this doesn't happen where they work, adding that officers see each other every day at work, get together after work and have their kids and families develop friendships with one another. When adversity affects one officer or their families, everyone comes together, Willers said.

Waldner's squad car was struck on Sunday while it was parked with its lights flashing on I-90, as he was assisting with another crash that had taken place. In that situation, Willers said the first thing a motorist should do upon seeing a parked emergency vehicle with flashing lights is hit the brakes and slow down. They should then take a look at that vehicle and the scene in order to determine what's going on and see what emergency personnel at the scene want them to do. 

Willers added that motorists will need to move over from the scene as well. By hitting the brakes and moving over, it allows the brain to process the situation. This should be the case when any kinds of lights are observed on the side of the road — or even when a vehicle is parked on the side of the road, period. 

Motorists should also remember that while the vehicle is parked on the side of the road, law enforcement, emergency personnel or others may be outside as well — and the high speeds of highway driving put those people at high risk. On a four-lane road such as an interstate, moving over isn't just strongly encouraged; it's the law. 

Willers added that it's "crazy" how people's minds often to start to wander while driving, as has been evident after the new three-way stop has been put into place near the Worthington Middle School. Even though there's signage and blinking lights signaling the three-way stop, people are still missing it, he said.  

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder to drive safely all 12 months of the year. People are also reminded to put their phone down while driving. Don't text and drive and stay off social media while on the road.