State Patrol says ‘Slow down and move over!’ after 5 squads hit during storm
WATCH: Crashes in Minnesota after heavy snowfall
Hundreds of crashes were reported across Minnesota following heavy snowfall. Some of these crashes were captured by Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic cameras.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota State Patrol has a message for motorists after it says five of its squad cars were hit by drivers during the Wednesday snowstorm that hit part of the state.
"Slow down and move over!" the State Patrol posted on social media.
Squads hit assisting drivers
What we know:
Officials with the State Patrol say over a 12-hour stretch between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, five squad cars were hit while they were assisting other stranded drivers.
One incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday on westbound I-94 and White Bear Ave. in St. Paul. Another was on westbound I-94 and 60th Avenue in Sunfish Lake. Two on Wednesday morning were on northbound Highway 169 and Marystown Road in Jordan, and the other was on northbound I-35W to County Road J in Blaine.
Authorities say none of those incidents involved serious injuries.
‘Slow way down, it’s the law’
What they're saying:
Winter driving can be difficult in Minnesota, but that’s not a new concept. However, it's a state law that when a law enforcement vehicle is stopped for a traffic incident, other drivers are required to move over at least one lane.
If that’s not possible, reduce your speed as much as possible.
"Whether it’s a squad, fire truck, plow, tow truck, or stalled vehicle, move over. If you can’t move over, slow way down! It’s the law," the State Patrol said.
Snowstorm causes hundreds of crashes
By the numbers:
The State Patrol released an update Wednesday afternoon, saying between midnight and 8:30 p.m., there were 276 crashes involving property damage. There were 23 injury crashes, 405 vehicles off the road, 48 spinouts and 35 jackknifed semis.
So far, there have been no reports of fatal crashes due to this early March storm.