Freeborn County Public Health

06/03/2026

Public Health Planner Position! Join our team!

06/02/2026

Traffic congestion, road construction, and delays are a routine part of commuting, but how we respond to these situations matter. While it may seem minor, tailgating or following too closely is a dangerous form of aggressive driving that can be life changing. Driving too closely to the vehicle ahead dramatically reduces reaction time. If the lead driver hits the brakes suddenly, a crash can happen in an instant. Beyond the risks of a crash, tailgating intimidates other motorists, escalates tension on the road, and can spark a road rage incident.

The Golden Rule: Maintain at least a 3-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead. Increase that to 4 or 5 seconds in poor weather or heavy traffic.

What to Do If Someone is Tailgating You

It’s incredibly stressful to look in your rearview mirror and see someone riding your bumper. If you find yourself targeted by an aggressive tailgater, remember that your goal is safety, not teaching them a lesson.

Stay calm: Do not tap the brakes ("brake check"), slow down dramatically out of spite, or make hand gestures. This will only escalate the situation.
Move over: Safely change lanes to let them pass as soon as possible. On a single-lane road, safely pull over into a designated turnout or parking lot to let them by.
Keep your distance: If the aggressive driver passes and cuts you off, increase your following distance to re-establish a safety cushion.

Practicing patience and planning ahead are key strategies for a safer commute. Before starting the engine, take a moment to focus and breathe. Arriving a couple of minutes late is always better than not arriving at all. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

06/01/2026

📅 June Substance Use Prevention Calendar 🌿

This month’s substance use prevention calendar highlights simple ways to build healthy habits, support well-being, and strengthen our community. 💙

Check in, stay informed, and take small steps each day toward a healthier future.

05/27/2026

Summer is calling, and that means epic road trips, weekend getaways, and quality time with family and friends. However, because the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are historically the most traveled – and the most dangerous days on roads, law enforcement is stepping up patrols through the summer. They will be heavily targeting the "Big Four" behaviors that contribute to the most crashes: speeding, distracted driving, driving while impaired, and not wearing a seat belt.

It’s easy to treat the daily commute or weekend drive as routine, but the reality is that the road can be unpredictable. According to safety experts, most crashes are the result of choices made behind the wheel. Last year alone, between May 26 and September 1, there were 111 fatalities on Minnesota roads.

The breakdown reveals the tragic truth that these 111 fatalities were preventable.

Never drive impaired: 37 deaths involved alcohol.
Slow down: 31 deaths involved speeding.
Buckle up: 16 deaths involved a victim not wearing a seat belt.
Stay focused: 5 deaths involved a distracted driver.

Making the conscious choice to slow down, buckle up, stay focused, and drive sober can mean the difference between life and death – for you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

As we head into the warmer months, many are dusting off bicycles to enjoy the sunshine, commute, or get some exercise. Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to share a few quick reminders to help keep both cyclists and drivers safe on the road this summer.

🚴For cyclists: Gear up & stay alert
• Check your equipment: Ensure your tires are properly inflated, seats are locked, and your bike is equipped with reflectors.
• Wear a helmet: Every rider, every time. Make sure it fits snugly–two finger-widths above your eyebrow, with the chin strap securely fastened.
• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use flashing lights if riding at night.
• Follow the rules: Obey all traffic laws, ride single file in the direction of traffic, and always use hand signals.

🚗For drivers: Share the road
• Practice the "far-hand reach": When parking, use your hand furthest from the door to open it. This forces you to turn your body and check your blind spot for oncoming cyclists before opening the door.
• Give space: Always stay alert and give cyclists plenty of room on the road.

Safety is a shared responsibility and integrating simple, mindful habits into our daily routines can help assure everyone makes it home at the end of the day. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

05/12/2026

https://buckleupmn.org/adult-occupants/

05/07/2026

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/FRE1011FRBC/JobBoard/09adf158-3a67-42c0-910c-c7b369bb8de8/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=3f740552-5c8f-4257-ad29-03eaa47b5a6d

05/01/2026

💚 May Substance Use Prevention Calendar 💚

Small, healthy choices each day can make a big difference! This May, focus on mental health, connection, and substance-free living with simple daily actions that support your well-being.

From practicing mindfulness to spending time with loved ones, each day is a chance to build healthier habits.