MINNEAPOLIS, MN --- The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN), in cooperation with the Minnesota State Patrol, will hold its 15th annual Lights On For Safety event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

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 eight sites around Minnesota:  

Metro:

Brooklyn Park -- Hennepin Technical College, North Campus 

9000 Brooklyn Blvd.

Burnsville -- AAA

600 W. Travelers Trail 

Minneapolis -- Dunwoody College of Technology

818 Dunwoody Blvd.

White Bear Lake -- Century College, East Campus

3300 Century Ave. No.

Greater MN:

Deluth -- MN DOT/State Patrol Headquarters

Corner of Mesaba & Central Entrance

Mankato -- South Central College

1920 Lee Blvd.

Moorhead -- Minnesota State Community & Technical College

1900 29th Ave. So.

St. Cloud -- St. Cloud Technical College

1540 Northway Drive

The Minnesota State Patrol has participated in Lights On For Safety events for the past 11 years. Col. Mark Dunaski, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said the program provides a valuable service to keep motorists safe.

"The simple action of using your headlights drastically improves visibility for both the driver and other motorists," said Dunaski. "It's very important for motorists to have properly working headlights to better stand out in traffic, and as a result, keep themselves safer."

Dunaski also reminded motorists to always buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and never drive impaired. 

Lights On For Safety, held in conjunction with the Car Care Council's Fall Car Care Month, was developed by AASP-MN to improve vehicle safety. The event serves double duty by helping to alleviate hunger in local communities.  

Since its inception, Lights On For Safety volunteers have installed free bulbs in over 5,650 vehicles and collected $18,520 and nearly 21,000 pounds of food for members of Hunger Solutions Minnesota. The sponsoring organizations have also awarded $45,000 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, NAPA Auto Parts and Parts Plus/Red Rooster Auto Stores. The event is also supported by AAA and CARQUEST.