It was necessary for me to go to St. Paul on Friday morning. Leaving early in the morning, the weather and the roads were manageable. By the time I left to return to Northfield, things were not so good coming out of St. Paul. Many cars passed me on my way back going much too fast for the ice covered road conditions and high winds. I saw most of them on the side of the road or in fields and ditches later down the road after the drivers lost control of their vehicles.
I heard several estimates between 200 and 300 that represented the number of accidents that were reported on Friday around the metro area. What impressed me most were the efforts that snow plow drivers, both county and MnDot displayed as they tried to keep roads passable. I saw a good number of Dakota County Deputies and Minnesota State Troopers assisting motorists and trying to patrol along Highway 52.
It was a lousy day for traveling and I appreciate the efforts of all transportation and law enforcement personnel who risked their own safety to protect ours.