Column: Ask a Trooper, by Jacalyn Sticha

Question: My neighbor has cattle and horses; they are always getting out of their fences — many times onto the roadway.

Isn’t there some kind of law requiring animals to be kept more secure than that?

Answer: Yes, there are laws. Minnesota State Statute 346.16 says that: “It shall be unlawful for any owner or any person having the control of any such animal to permit the same to run at large in the state.”

There are other laws that could apply, but that one seems to fit what you are talking about more directly.

A fence that is not maintained may allow animals to exit. It is the duty of the owner to up keep their fencing and contain their animals. Livestock and horses on the roadways can be very dangerous, cause crashes and some are tragic. However, most livestock are well-contained and if they do get out are retrieved without harm to anyone.

Contact law enforcement if you see livestock, dogs or other animals on the roadway that have not cleared.

Question: What is the proper procedure if you are stopped at a red light and an emergency vehicle with its lights and siren activated comes up behind you? Where do you go to get out of the way?

Answer: As frustrating and tempting as it may be to pull into the intersection with a red light — do not. Other people cannot run a red light based on an emergency vehicle’s siren or emergency lights, so they have to wait until the light turns green and then go, and then move over to the right if possible.

If for some reason you have enough room while stopped you should pull over to the right shoulder or left shoulder (if on multi-lane road way —which is legal) just as long as it doesn’t require you to enter the intersection.

While responding to emergencies, I have observed drivers trying to squeeze into the intersection in an attempt to create room for the emergency vehicle, but that is not safe or recommended.

We will just have to use some patience along with the legal and safe opportunity when the light turns green again.

Question: When I’m away from home and need to call 911, does my cellphone connect with the current area 911 or my home area?

Answer: Your current area 911 (where you are when you call). Also, just in case, I asked our top dispatch personnel in the metro for the whole Minnesota State Patrol, and they replied, “Generally in most areas, your call would be routed to the local 911 center, but there are areas around the state, especially within the nine-county metro area, where your call will be routed to the State Patrol.”

I know, too, that all calls are routed quickly to where they need to be, no matter where they are received. I hope all of this answers your question, and thanks for asking.

 

Jacalyn Sticha is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.