Minnesota State Patrol Used Simulators to Teach Safety
The agency aims to increase seat belt use after 68 unbuckled deaths were recorded last year.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Car Types
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The Minnesota State Patrol is using rollover simulators at events to demonstrate the life-saving impact of seat belts. This safety initiative follows a year where 68 people in the state died in crashes while not wearing seat belts.
Why it matters
Understanding the physics of a crash highlights why seat belts are necessary for survival in every vehicle. These demonstrations aim to improve Minnesota's 95% compliance rate by illustrating the risks of being unbuckled during high-impact events.
Last year, 68 people died in Minnesota in crashes where seat belts were not used. The state currently maintains a 95% seat belt compliance rate across its population.
The players
Minnesota State Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for road safety, traffic enforcement, and public safety education throughout Minnesota.
The details
The State Patrol operates two rollover simulators that mimic the forces experienced during a 35 mph rollover event. By demonstrating the movement of crash-test dummies, these simulators show how seat belts prevent occupants from being ejected or thrown during a collision. The program also serves as a reminder that airbags deploy at speeds exceeding 200 mph, further emphasizing that occupants must be properly restrained to avoid injury.
Timeline
In 2025, 68 people died in Minnesota in crashes related to not wearing a seat belt.
The Home Front
This program aligns with Minnesota's strict seat belt and side-by-side vehicle safety statutes. It highlights the state's ongoing regulatory efforts to reduce preventable traffic fatalities beyond just basic compliance.
Check that all passengers in your vehicle are buckled up, as Minnesota law requires seat belts for every occupant. If your family uses side-by-side vehicles, ensure all riders younger than 18 wear helmets to comply with state requirements.
The takeaway
The rollover simulator provides a stark look at the physical forces involved in a crash. As a household check, review your vehicle's seating capacity and ensure that all seat belts are fully functional and accessible for every family member before your next trip.
Further reading
For more on vehicle safety features and standards, visit Car Types.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Keyc.
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