McLeod County Toward Zero Deaths

10/14/2026

Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of injury and death for 15-to-18-year-olds nationwide. Studies consistently show that teens whose parents establish firm driving rules engage in fewer risky behaviors and experience far fewer crashes. With National Teen Driver Safety Week beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, now is an ideal time to sit down with young drivers to establish clear expectations and reinforce the importance of safe choices behind the wheel.

Five Lifesaving Rules of the Road to Discuss with Teen Drivers
• Buckle up: Seat belts are the single most effective defense against serious injury.
• Put devices away: Minnesota law strictly prohibits drivers under 18 from using cell phones behind the wheel – even hands-free.
• Watch the speed: Excess speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
• Drive sober: Minnesota has a zero-tolerance "Not a Drop" law for drivers under 21.
• Limit passengers: Peer passengers are a major distraction for new drivers.

Quick Refresher on Minnesota’s Provisional License Law
• First 6 Months: Only 1 passenger under 20 (who isn’t immediate family) and no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (unless traveling for work or school).
• Second 6 Months: A maximum of 3 non-family passengers under 20 is permitted.

Leading by example and having regular conversations with teen drivers about making good choices behind the wheel can prevent tragedies. Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for valuable information, including frequently asked questions, parent-teen driving contracts and driver’s license information. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

10/06/2026

October’s Pedestrian Safety Month is a great time for a quick reminder about a sneaky habit that can create dangerous situations for drivers and pedestrians – headphone and earbud distraction. Blocking out surrounding noise leaves you relying entirely on sight, creating silent blind spots that put everyone at risk. And in Minnesota, wearing earbuds or headphones in both ears while driving isn't just dangerous, it’s illegal.

Risks for Drivers
• Muffled sirens and horns: Blocks the sound of emergency vehicles, honking horns and railway signals.
• Distracted driving: Music or podcasts in both ears create a hidden distraction, slowing reaction times.
• The law: State law prohibits wearing headphones in both ears while driving.

Risks for Pedestrians
• Hidden hazards: Blocks the sound of turning cars, bicycles or electric scooters coming from behind.
• Crosswalk vulnerability: Stepping into a crosswalk or parking lot requires all your attention, so keeping ears open and staying alert is a must.

Quick Tips to Stay Safe
• Keep one ear free: Always leave at least one ear completely uncovered if using headphones outdoors.
• Unplug to cross: Take earbuds out entirely when crossing streets, driveways or parking lots.
• Stay alert: Maximize awareness by staying fully tuned into the surrounding environment.

As daylight shrinks and fall schedules pick up, staying tuned in with both eyes and ears can help ensure that everyone makes it home safely. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths!

09/25/2026

Booster seats help position the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt properly on a child’s body.

Use a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits correctly without one. Take the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test.

If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, keep using the booster.
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat?
2. Do their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
3. Does the lap belt sit low across the hips, touching the upper thighs?
4. Does the shoulder belt cross the center of the chest and shoulder?
5. Can the child stay in this position for the entire ride?

Take the 5-Step Test before saying goodbye to the booster.

09/23/2026

Right seat. Right direction.

Keep your child in the appropriate rear-facing car seat or forward-facing car seat until they reach the height or weight limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Then you can safely transition them to the next stage. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the applicable Minnesota child passenger safety requirements.

Check your child’s car seat height and weight limits today.

09/21/2026

As we work our way into Child Passenger Safety Week, McLeod County TZD Safe Roads Coalition would like to remind parents and caregivers of the resources in our community.

Free one on one car seat checks are available. Contact one of our communities CPST's today!

09/11/2026

Labor Day weekend is a time to relax, not a time to risk it all. If you're high, stay out of the driver's seat. Drive High, Get a DUI.

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

With school back in session, our morning and afternoon commutes are getting a lot busier. Whether you're driving near school zones or walking during your lunch break, extra awareness goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe. Here are a few quick reminders to keep top of mind:

Drivers:
• Slow down in school zones: Children can be unpredictable and hard to see between parked cars.
• Stop for red lights on buses: Flashing red lights and the extended stop arm mean stop – it’s the law.
• Ditch the distractions: Phones down, especially when navigating neighborhood drop-off zones or busy crosswalks.

Pedestrians:
• Be visible: Use marked crosswalks whenever possible and make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb.
• Heads up, phones down: Keep your eyes off your device while crossing streets or walking through parking lots.
• Listen up: If you walk with headphones, keep the volume low or leave one ear free so you stay aware of traffic.

Let’s all do our part to keep neighborhood streets and crosswalks safe this school year. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/safe-driving-information-and-laws/traffic-safety-laws/bicycle-and-pedestrian-laws

09/06/2026

Meet up with friends this Labor Day weekend, not law enforcement. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.