Gov Dayton Gives Signature to "Tyler's Law"

It's official! Governor Dayton did indeed sign bill into law!

So now what?  Now we work with the Dept. of Public Safety to share research and ideas for possible inclusion in the Minnesota driver's manual.

Currently there is some carbon monoxide information in the manual, but it is inadequate, and according to the driver's education coordinator for the state, most schools do not have the time to teach everything that is in the state issued manual, so they teach to what is going to be on the permit test.

Until now (or Jan. 1, 2012) there has never been a CO related question on the test. This could explain why when asked, most kids will tell you that there was  little to no discussion about CO safety in their driver's ed class.  

According to  research, accidental CO deaths (related to vehicle) occur during one of the following six  activities:

1. Couples parking in an idling vehicle.

2. Working on a vehicle or charging the battery in a garage with the engine idling.

3. Warming the vehicle in a garage, even with the door open.

4. Being stuck in the mud or snow with the engine idling.

5. Driving with the tailgate down or with a leaky exhaust system.

6. Sitting in an idling vehicle (listening to the radio, talking, texting, waiting, sleeping).

We believe that the above information should be included in the manual, as it creates a broader, more comprehensive awareness needed for Minnesotans (and others in cold climates) to keep themselves and others safe.

Most accidental CO deaths related to vehicles occur in the winter months. The cold temps that create a barrier prohibiting the CO from escaping the garage, coupled with the cold start of an engine, can render a person unconscious within minutes, leaving them unable to save themselves. Please keep this information in mind next winter, and create CO awareness by sharing it with your family and friends.