Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have a new driver. Can you give some advice on what a person should do if their windshield wipers quit or their car hood comes open while driving?

Answer: If your windshield wipers suddenly fail in heavy rain or snow, slow down and activate your hazard warning lights. Do not brake suddenly if other vehicles are behind you. Pull off the road and move to a safe location as soon as possible.
If the hood of your vehicle suddenly opens and obstructs your view, you may be able to see through the space between the hood and the dashboard. If this is not possible, roll down the window and lean over to look past the side of the hood. Activate your hazard warning lights, slow down and steer off the road safely.
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 X @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).