Sheriff: Semi, Minivan Collide

Each week, Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows releases a newsletter recapping the most interesting news.

From this issue:

On January 8th, Deputies Hentges, Leopold, Smidt, and  Vecherkov responded to County Road 47 and 250th Street West on a crash with injuries involving a semi and a minivan.  The driver ofthe minivan slid through a stop sign and struck the side of a semi, which then rolled over the front of the van. The driver of the minivan was extricated from his vehicle and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Although the driver of the minivan was lucky enough to survive a crash with a semi, he was not lucky enough to avoid a citation for failing to stop at the sign and driving after suspension.

On Saturday January 12th, an off-duty state trooper witnessed a driver demonstrating erratic driving conduct on Highway 52 near Randolph.  The off-duty trooper witnessed the driver eventually lose control and roll the vehicle. Amazingly, the driver walked away without a scratch. It was learned that the driver was using his phone, became distracted, and went off the road.  Distracted driving due to cell phone use and texting continues to be an increasing threat to public safety. Sergeant Bruce Kammen and Special Duty Deputy Matt Regis responded to the crash.

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