Anoka County Toward Zero Deaths

05/20/2026

Yesterday's Pedestrian Enforcement results. As you can see, the majority of motorists/pedestrians only received a verbal warning. Education is key to reminding everyone about our traffic laws in MN. Thank you, Blaine Police Department, for organizing their traffic safety week!

05/18/2026

Blaine Police Department Traffic Safety Week starts today. Today's focus is on Distracted Driving.

📵 Traffic Safety Week Day 1: Distracted Driving

Traffic Safety Week is underway in Blaine, and today’s focus is on distracted driving.

Officers will be conducting extra enforcement throughout the City, reminding drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and follow Minnesota’s hands-free law.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving accounts for roughly one in 11 crashes (approximately 9 percent) in Minnesota, based on data from 2019–2023. It is a leading factor in traffic accidents, causing an average of 29 deaths and 146 life-altering injuries annually in recent years.

A quick glance at a phone can change lives in seconds. Put the distractions away and keep your attention on the road.

These enforcement efforts are about education, awareness, and keeping everyone who uses Blaine roads safe.

In partnership with Anoka County Toward Zero Deaths.

05/07/2026

We need to acknowledge one of our own, Fridley PD Sergeant McClish!

Recently, Sergeant McClish received an award from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety for his unwavering dedication to traffic safety in Anoka County. Since 2005, he has been actively involved with our Anoka County TZD group as a coordinator representing Fridley PD. Notably, he has served as the lead coordinator for Anoka County TZD, a collaborative initiative involving all 11 law enforcement agencies in the county and the Minnesota State Patrol since 2018!

Bill Hammes from the MN Office of Traffic Safety presented the award during a countywide meeting this week.

Thank you, Sergeant McClish, for your dedication to traffic safety and your leadership!

05/03/2026

Minnesota has updated its school bus law to protect students and remove uncertainty for drivers.

This isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about making sure every student gets home safely.

Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus when its red flashing lights were flashing and the stop arm was extended.

Under the new law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away as soon as the red lights start flashing.

Read more in our Safety Matters Blog: https://dps.mn.gov/news/msp/flashing-red-lights-mean-stop-mn-strengthens-school-bus-safety-rules

04/24/2026

Always pay attention when driving! Looking at your cell phone or even grabbing those Big Mac crumbs you dropped on the floor from
eating can cause a crash within seconds.

Extra distracted driving enforcement is going on now. 🚔

04/16/2026

New school bus safety law is now in effect. Read below for the changes. 🚌 + 🏮 = ✋

🚌 Minnesota recently passed a new school bus safety law in response to a rise in "near-miss" incidents across the state. The new legislation specifically targets motorists who attempt to "beat the bus" by passing as soon as the red lights begin to flash but before the stop arm is fully extended. Closing this loophole will create a safer environment for children as they board and exit the bus.

When is a driver is required to stop for a school bus?

- The Old Way: Many drivers waited for the extendable stop arm to be fully deployed before stopping.
- The New Law: Drivers must now stop at least 20 feet away from a bus the moment its red lights begin flashing, regardless of whether the stop arm has been extended.

While the stopping requirements have changed, the penalties remain strict:
- Failure to stop is a misdemeanor.
- Violations carry a minimum fine of $500.

By working together and remaining patient, we can ensure every student enjoys a safe commute to and from school. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.