Great Scott Township, MN (September 4, 2026) – One person was injured after a two-vehicle crash on Thursday, September 3, on northbound Highway 169 at County Road 25 in Great Scott Township, St. Louis County.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2017 Ford Escape was traveling northbound in the right lane when it collided with the side of a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe to its left while merging. The Tahoe continued on and struck several signs before coming to a stop in a ditch.
The Tahoe’s driver, 24-year-old Jordyn Faith Johnson of Virginia, Minnesota, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Essentia Health Virginia. The Ford Escape’s driver, 79-year-old Stanley Sokoloski of Zim, Minnesota, was not injured.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in both vehicles. No alcohol involvement was suspected, and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Chisholm Police Department, and Essentia EMS assisted at the scene.
We wish the victim a quick recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Merging on Highways?
Merging requires drivers to coordinate their speed and position with nearby traffic while maintaining awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Before changing lanes, motorists should check their mirrors and blind spots and use a turn signal to communicate their intent. A sufficient gap should be identified before beginning the lane change.
Drivers should avoid making sudden lane changes or accelerating aggressively while merging. Maintaining a steady speed can make it easier to judge the movement of surrounding vehicles and respond if traffic slows. When another vehicle is already occupying the intended lane, drivers should wait for a safe opening rather than attempt to force their way into it.
Motorists should also remain alert for roadside signs, barriers, and other objects if a vehicle leaves the travel lanes. Staying focused on traffic and maintaining a safe following distance can provide additional time to react to unexpected movements. Wearing a seat belt on every trip is another basic safety measure that can help protect occupants during a crash.
