Ask the Trooper

Question: Is it true that the police will not come to an accident scene when the vehicles can be driven from the scene and there are no injuries? That the individuals should exchange insurance info themselves? It was my understanding in the past that all accidents must be reported to the police. Has this changed?
K. Miller, Lewistown

Answer: Correct, a crash that has no injuries and the vehicles involved are drivable is considered a non-reportable crash. Drivers should exchange name, address, phone number, vehicle information including, registration plate, make, model and type of vehicle. You’ll also need the vehicle insurance information, which would include the insurance company name, phone number and policy number. You can then contact your insurance company to report the crash. If you are involved in a non-reportable crash and feel you need a police presence, contact 911 for police assistance.

Question: Street "A" curves to the left at a point where one-way Lane "B" merges straight into it (like a tangent). Just before Lane B merges, it has a traffic light. Because a driver stopped by a red light on Lane B has no option to turn right or left, is it legal to proceed straight into the merge after stopping (as if it were a right turn)? This situation is found at the west end of Mechanicsburg.
Doug Linebaugh, Mechanicsburg

Answer: You have to wait until the traffic light turns green to proceed.

Question: If your vehicle is equipped with daylight running lights or lights that function in an “auto” mode, are these sufficient to meet the requirement for headlight usage in a construction zone or when windshield wipers are being used?
Robert K. Smith, Warriors Mark

Answer: The law in both cases requires headlights to be on. If you have daytime running lights, check to see if the rear taillights are activated when the daytime running lights are on. If the taillights are activated when the headlights are, you should be fine. If the taillights do not activate, then you need to manually turn on the lights to be in compliance.

Question: When traveling on the Turnpike and approaching a construction sign ahead, does the driver have to maintain the 55 mph speed limit when there is no obvious work being done or the active light is not flashing or can they proceed with the 65 mph speed limit?
Judith Smith, Lititz

Answer: You have to maintain the posted speed limit for the construction zone. Even if the construction zone is unmanned there may be narrow lanes ahead or traffic may be routed onto a temporary roadway, which would require the reduced speed.

If you have a question for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Linette Quinn, send it to:
Ask the Trooper c/o The AAA Touch
2301 Paxton Church Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9688
or send an email to aaatouch@aaacp.com.
Please be sure to include your full name and hometown to identify yourself.