Tune Up For Summer: State Troopers To Provide Free Car Checkups

The summer travel season can be an exciting time for families across the state, but the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous travel days of the year in Minnesota.

During that time, an average of 128 motorists lose their lives in traffic crashes across the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

To ensure a safe travel season, Minnesota State Patrol troopers will perform free vehicle checkups at Maplewood Mall to help motorists become road ready.

Inspections will include:

• Headlights
• Taillights
• Break lights
• Turn signals
• Tires
• Window wipers
• Mirrors
• Child car seat checks

Troopers and car seat technicians will also be available to answer questions and discuss driving concerns.

When: Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave., Maplewood

Event location will be in parking lot between Sears and JC Penney off of White Bear Ave.

Who: Minnesota state troopers and Shannon Ryder, child passenger protection expert

Defective brake systems are the most commonly reported vehicular factor contributing to crashes. In 2016, vehicular factors contributed to 64 traffic fatalities and 2,297 serious injuries.

Preliminary numbers show traffic crashes have led to 104 fatalities on Minnesota roads in 2018 compared with 106 this time last year.

Image via Minnesota State Patrol