Question: What is the law concerning entering a turn lane that is marked with white/yellow lines like the ones in front of Martin’s (on South 11th Street in Niles)? I find myself checking my rear view mirror because people are always entering the “turn lane” blocks before they should. — Pam from Niles.

Answer: Pam, MVC 257.642(b) states: “Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes (or in the case of South 11th Street in Niles, five lanes) and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except … when the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn…”

Discussing this with magistrates from Cass and Berrien counties, the center turn lane is just that — a turn lane. It is not an extra lane for travel. If the lane is being used for a left turn and a driver had to travel past a few other drives before turning, then the lane was being used improperly. If the center turn lane is being used to merge into the right lanes, the driver must stop until traffic is clear, then merge into the proper right hand lanes; it’s not to be used as a travel lane. This is a traffic citation.

Parent tip: Do you know where your kids are right now? Are you sure? Monitoring is an effective way you can help your tween or teen stay drug free.

While kids may complain that parents “don’t trust them” or are being unreasonable, there is security in knowing that parents care enough to ask. Monitoring involves allowing independence; but still knowing where youth are; who they are with; and what are they doing. Monitoring tips include requiring them to check in by phone; occasionally drop in unannounced to make sure they are safe; ask details before and after they “go out;” talk to their friends and their friends’ parents often; and stay in tune with their mood and behavior.

Kids who are not regularly monitored are four times more likely to use drugs than kids who are monitored regularly. Check out facebook.com/cass.community (you do not need a Facebook account to access this site) for more helpful websites for parents.

The Smart Summer Campaign is a 12-week informative program to assist parents with safety tips and is the innovation of Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force. Co-sponsors include Cass County Sheriff’s Department, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, Classic Hits 101FM/910AM, Woodlands, Cassopolis Family Clinic Network and the Michigan State Police.

E-mail questions to trooperrob53@yahoo .com.