16th Annual LIGHTS ON FOR SAFETY Set for

September 25th!  

On Saturday, September 25, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN), in cooperation with the Minnesota State Patrol, will hold its 16^th annual Lights On For Safety event.  AASP-member technicians and automotive technical students will conduct a free inspection and replacement of most exterior vehicle light bulbs and headlamps and troopers will be on hand to answer traffic safety-related questions.  Vehicle owners are encouraged to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation to support local food shelves.

The event is scheduled to take place at six sites around Minnesota:  Century College – East Campus, White Bear Lake; Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis; St. Paul College, St. Paul; Dept. of Transportation/State Patrol headquarters, Duluth; South Central College, No. Mankato; and Minnesota State Community & Technical College, Moorhead.

The Minnesota State Patrol has participated in Lights On For Safety events for the past twelve years. Col. Mark Dunaski, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, says, “Properly functioning headlights are important for road safety.  They obviously help motorists see the road during hours of darkness but they also help vehicles stand out during all lighting conditions.  Be sure your lights are working, and don’t just use them at night; try to use them whenever you can.”  Dunaski also reminds motorists to always buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and never drive impaired.

Leading into the Car Care Council’s Fall Car Care Month, Lights On For Safety was developed by AASP-MN to improve vehicle safety.  The event serves double duty by helping to alleviate hunger in our communities.  Since its inception, Lights On For Safety volunteers have installed free bulbs in over 6,100 vehicles and collected over $20,000 and nearly 23,000 pounds of food for members of Hunger Solutions Minnesota.  The sponsoring organizations have also awarded $49,000 in scholarship funds to technical college automotive students who participate in the event. 

In addition to AASP-MN, sponsors of Lights On For Safety include Auto Value Parts Stores, Factory Motor Parts, NAPA Auto Parts and Auto Plus Auto Stores.