Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I notice a lot of people walking and running along the highway. The thing that concerns me is that they are moving in the same direction of traffic with their back to the potential hazard. Can you talk about pedestrian safety and what people should do when on the highway?

Answer: Minnesota state law says that pedestrians along a roadway shall, when practicable, walk or move on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder giving way to oncoming traffic.

Pedestrian laws
• If you are driving, you must stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Treat every corner and intersection as a crosswalk, whether it’s marked or unmarked, and let pedestrians cross.
• If you are a pedestrian, you must obey traffic control devices, such as traffic lights, signs and barricades.
My best advice when it comes to pedestrian safety is always be aware of your surroundings.

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).