Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow

Question: When traveling through cities and towns with stop lights, I see a lot of people crossing the street at crosswalks that don’t seem to understand the pedestrian signals. Can you write about that?

  Answer: Yes, I can as this is an important conversation about traffic safety. There are stop and go signals for pedestrians. Pedestrians must obey these signals.

  “Walk” Signal: When the pedestrian or “Walk” signal is visible, pedestrians should look to see if it is safe to cross before proceeding. Once in the intersection, pedestrians may continue walking to the other side of the road.

  Flashing “Don’t Walk” Signal: When the raised hand or “Don’t Walk” signal is flashing, pedestrians should not begin to cross. Pedestrians already in the intersection may continue walking to the other side at a normal pace.

  Steady “Don’t Walk” Signal: When a steady raised hand or “Don’t Walk” signal is visible, pedestrians should not attempt to cross. Pedestrians already in the intersection should walk to the nearest safe location as quickly and safely as possible.

  A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).