MINNEAPOLIS — As we round out a recording-breaking month of snowfall in much of Minnesota, the State Patrol says it's seeing an "alarming" number of squad cars hit by drivers.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says 15 State Patrol squads were hit so far in February. That's the most in any month of any year on record, according to spokesman Doug Neville.
Two squads were hit in February of 2018, and two were hit in February 2017.
The crashes from this month are still being investigated.
In total for 2019 so far, the department is reporting 22 squads have been hit on the roads.
Out of the 15 that were hit in February, eight troopers were injured, according to the Department of Public Safety.
"The high number of squads hit this month is alarming. The State Patrol reminds drivers to slow down, increase following distance and drive to the conditions," Neville said. "Minnesota law requires drivers to move over for emergency vehicles if at all possible. If it is not possible to move over, drivers should slow down and use cation when passing an emergency vehicle with its light activated."
Here's a breakdown of the total number of Minnesota State Patrol squad cars hit for each of the following years:
· 2019 (to date) – 22
· 2018 – 19
· 2017 – 14
· 2016 – Statistics not available
· 2015 – Statistics not available
· 2014 – 25
· 2013 – 19
· 2012 – 17
· 2011 – 26
· 2010 – 27
· 2009 – 28
· 2008 – 22
More from KARE 11: