What Should Minnesota Drivers Do When They See A Convoy?

As we start to see temps begin to cool off, and with the fall season starting on Sunday, Minnesota drivers will start to see less road construction, and hopefully less 'cabin' congestion on the weekends. Another thing Minnesota drivers will be seeing less during the colder months is military convoys. Do you know what to do if you encounter one on the road? Here are some tips for you.

Camp Ripley, located right here in Central Minnesota put out some military convoy best practices for drivers, regardless of what state drivers encounter a convoy in, to keep all drivers safe.

- Be aware of signs on the vehicles stating CONVOY AHEAD, meaning that this is the last vehicle in the convoy. Also, CONVOY FOLLOWS, meaning that more vehicles are behind this lead vehicle.

- When passing a convoy, be sure that you are in the legal passing lane to pass and ensure that you have enough room to get in between the vehicles.

- Passing a convoy can be done at reasonable speeds. Passing a line of more than one vehicle at a time is often unnecessary, but military convoys usually travel at reduced speed making it easier to pass.

- Don't cut them off. Many of these vehicles are heavy and carrying equipment, so their reaction time is similar to a semi-truck.

- Be aware that they have many blind spots. If they merge, do not try to speed up and "race" them.

- Avoid crowding or trying to “push” Military vehicles while traveling within the vehicle convoy.

Drivers should also remember that even if there is snow on the ground, Camp Ripley is open year-round, and our troops will train during the winter months, so you can see convoys on Minnesota roads at any time.