JUST THE FACTS

October 11, 2024 Volume 15 Issue 41

FALL HARVEST IS IN FULL SWING

Fall is in the air and with the cooler weather comes changing leaves, shorter days, and harvest season. It’s a busy time of year on the road with more farm equipment and the hustle and bustle of students returning to school and afterschool activities. It can be easy to become distracted when juggling work and kids, but it is important to stay alert behind the wheel to be sure that everyone makes it home safely.

Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.

Motorists:

Slow down and use caution when approaching farm equipment. Don’t assume the equipment operator can see you.
Watch for debris dropped by farm equipment.
Wait for a safe place to pass.
Drive with headlights on.

Farm equipment operators:

Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible.
Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph.
Avoid encouraging or signaling motorists to pass. Pull over when safe and let traffic pass.
Consider using a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night.
Pick up any debris left on the highway by the equipment.

Please remember to watch for slow-moving farm equipment. Be patient, be kind and share the road.

COPTOBER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

We are excited to see all of the kids Oct. 17th at the Owatonna Public Library for the 3rd annual Coptober event. We have some new activities for the kids to partake in. One of those is a miniature remote control police car. Another fun activity is having the kids name the skeleton dressed in uniform, "Officer ______." The winning name will be announced on Facebook. See you there!

THIS WEEK'S IN CUSTODY ARRESTS

Kristina Findley/ Domestic Assault (M), 5th degree Assault (M)
Kevin McElderry/ Predatory Offender- Knowingly commits act or fails to fulfill registration requirement (F)
Jessica Alwes/ 5th degree-controlled substance-sale or possession (F)
Jesse Halley/ 2nd degree- Possess 25 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine (F)

NORTHERN LIGHTS SHOW

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MONTH

October is Pedestrian Safety Month. This time of year can be especially dangerous for walkers due to reduced daylight hours. This is a beautiful time of year to explore the outdoors and take time to appreciate the changing fall colors, but the safety of our vulnerable road users should always be a priority.

When driving:

Watch for people walking - anywhere, at any time, day or night.
Stop for people crossing the road.
Be alert and expect to see people walking everywhere.
Treat every corner as a crosswalk and stop for crossing pedestrians at all corners and crosswalks whether marked or unmarked — this is the law.
Look in all directions before turning.
Slow down for people. Slower speeds save lives.
Before passing stopped vehicles, check for people crossing the road.

When walking:

Be alert for turning vehicles.
Cross at a corner, a marked crosswalk or where a traffic light is present.
Look for vehicles in all lanes of traffic before crossing. Drivers may not see you.
Make eye contact with drivers before entering the road to ensure the driver sees you.
Cross in a well-lit areas when possible.
Never cross in the middle of the road or walk down an interstate.
Stand clear of parked cars and obstacles before crossing.
Walk while facing traffic when sidewalks aren’t available.
Wear bright colored clothing when walking at night.

SCAM ALERT

We have recently been taking some scam calls from residents that were targeted through their computer. A message pops up indicating they have a virus and to call a number. The number called pretends they are Apple Corporation and requires the victim to purchase gift cards and advise them of the numbers on the back. The victim is out the amount of money they purchased the gift cards for. Don't fall for this scam and please report this activity to the Federal Trade Commission.

SEATBELT USE REACHES 10 YEAR HIGH

According to the latest observational seat belt surveys, the percentage of people buckling up reached a 10-year high of 94.7 percent this year! The 2024 rate of 94.7 percent is the highest rate recorded since 2013 (94.8 percent). This represents the fourth consecutive increase since 2021.

Three groups helped drive the increase in seat belt use: young adults who are 16 to 29 years old, male occupants (drivers and front-seat passengers), and pickup drivers.

The percentage of young adults choosing to wear a seat belt rose to a 10-year high of 93.6 percent.
Male occupants increased to 93.6 percent from 92.6 percent last year.
Pickup drivers hit an all-time high of 91.9 percent.

The increase in Minnesotans buckling up is very encouraging, but until every person wears their seat belt, the deadly risks are all too real. Encourage your friends and family to make the life-saving choice to buckle up.