The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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September 8, 2010

Your View: Perfect time to review driving laws

By Joann Jaqua, Mankato

My challenge to the drivers in Mankato is: Can we become a city of courteous drivers?

The city is buzzing with college, high school and elementary students returning to class. Now is a perfect time for a refresher on Minnesota driving laws.

A stop sign/red light requires that you come to a complete stop. At a stop sign with a marked stop line, you must stop before the line. At a stop sign with a pedestrian crosswalk you must stop before entering the crosswalk. When you have stopped, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic before proceeding. If your view of the intersection is obstructed, prepare to stop again for traffic or pedestrians in your path.

You must also come to a complete stop in the following situations: before entering a road from an alley, a private driveway, a parking lot or a parking ramp; before crossing an adjoining sidewalk or crosswalk; at an intersection or crosswalk with a traffic signal displaying a red light (wait until the signal changes to green and your path is clear before proceeding); and when a flag person or traffic device directs you to stop.

Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely before doing so. If you cannot stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution. If you are waiting in the intersection to make a turn, and the signal turns from yellow to red, complete the turn as soon as it is safely possible. Do not back up.

If you are interested in learning more, the laws were taken directly from http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/DLManual.htm.



 

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