Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Police responded to a crash on Dec. 13 at 8:55 a.m. The crash happened at Crocker Avenue and First Street in Thief River Falls.
Thief River Falls is the Pennington County seat.
What happened
Amanda Scheff, of Middle River, drove a 2016 Nissan Quest north on Crocker Avenue, police said.
The report said her van slid past a stop sign. It then entered the intersection.
Vanessa Gille, of Thief River Falls, drove a 2015 Jeep Renegade near the crossing, police said.
Gille swerved to avoid Scheff’s van, according to the report.
The Jeep went over a curb. It then struck a metal post.
The report did not list any hospital transport. Police reported no known injuries.
Damage details were not included in the brief report.
Citation
Scheff was cited for “duty to drive with due care – speed,” according to the report.
That rule requires a safe speed for conditions. It can apply on snow or ice.
Minnesota law says speed must be reasonable. Drivers must also use due care.
Minnesota Statute 169.14: Duty to drive with due care
Stop sign reminder
Stop signs control who enters an intersection first. Drivers must stop at the sign or line.
Minnesota Statute 169.30: Stop signs
Why winter intersections are risky
Snow can hide ice near signs. Packed snow can reduce braking power.
Drivers may slide even at low speeds. A gentle slope can make it worse.
Stopping early helps. Extra space can reduce sudden swerves.
Swerving can also lead to curb strikes. Fixed objects can cause damage quickly.
What to do after a crash
Move to a safe spot if you can. Turn on hazard lights right away.
Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Exchange insurance and contact details.
Take photos if it is safe. Write down the road and weather conditions.
Safety reminders
Slow down before intersections. Brake earlier than you think you need.
Look for drifting snow. Watch for shine on the road.
Keep tires in good shape. Clear windows for better sight.
Minnesota DPS: Winter driving tips
MnDOT: Winter driving and road conditions
More local information
City of Thief River Falls official website
Pennington County official website
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.