Posted on April 8, 2019 at 9:15 AM by Kate Berg
April 8, 2019
Ask the Chief
Q: I have been driving past a front bumper that must have fallen off from a crash on Tyler Road South for several months. Who is responsible for cleaning up after a car crash?
Depending on the severity of the crash, this could fall to several entities (police, fire, EMPS, Public Works, and/or a tow company) being responsible for crash site cleanup.
Working as a team, and depending on the debris at the crash site, will determine who is responsible for site cleanup. Towing companies are responsible for removing vehicles and vehicle parts from the scene, and they do an excellent job. The Fire/EMS Department is responsible for initial HAZMAT response and containment, which may consist of oil, gas, chemicals, medical waste and other associated duties at the scene. Public Works may be requested by fire or police for additional cleanup assistance with their equipment.
In the City of Red Wing, when you see debris on the roadways or in the ditch that may pose a hazard/obstruction, you can report it by using the “Your Gov app” at https://www.red-wing.org/faq.aspx?qid=140 or call the police at 651-385-3155.
The “Your Gov App” also allows you to track your debris report via the web page. You can view the issues you have submitted by selecting the “My Requests” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. To view other requests, select “All Requests” in the upper right-hand corner. Blue dots on the map represent where different issues have been reported and the issue that is currently being viewed will have an orange halo surrounding it. Citizens can check on their submitted issues by logging in to see what activity is assigned to the issue, when the issue was closed, and any notes City Staff have submitted regarding the issue.
Debris in the roadway or on/in the berms/ditches also come from debris falling from moving vehicles and the motor vehicle operator not being aware that it fell off or not wanting to pay a disposal fee and making the decision to dump it, which could fall under the littering statute.
Resources:
1. Minnesota DOT Traffic Incident Management Recommended Operational Guidelines. Located online at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/tmc/documents/Freeway Incident Management.pdf
2. Your Gov App: https://www.red-wing.org/faq.aspx?qid=140
3. Minnesota State Statutes: 169.42 LITTERING; DROPPING OBJECT ON VEHICLE; MISDEMEANOR. Located online at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.42
4. Minnesota State Statues: 168B.035 TOWING AUTHORIZED. Located online at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/168B.035
Please Note:
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