More than 17,000 Speeding Citations During July Campaign Help Slow Down Behaviors Endangering Minnesotans
Speed-related Fatalities and Serious Injuries in July Surpass Previous Years
Speed Campaign Results
- Officers, deputies and troopers from 294 agencies across Minnesota reported 17,205 speeding citations during the July 1 - 31 campaign, which included extra patrols and awareness efforts.
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Results from previous speed campaigns:
- 2020: 323 agencies reported 16,122 speed citations.
- 2019: 322 agencies reported 21,439 speed citations
- 2018: 317 agencies reported 14,661 speed citations
- 2017: 319 agencies reported 16,580 speed citations
- 2016: 316 agencies reported 13,214 speed citations
More Agencies Reported 100 mph or More Speeds Compared to Last Year
During the campaign, 55 agencies reported speeds of 100 mph or more compared with 40 agencies during last year’s campaign. The highest speeds included:
- 131 mph – Minnesota State Patrol - District 2600 (St. Cloud)
- 128 mph – Minnesota State Patrol - District 2200 (Mankato)
- 125 mph – Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police Department
- 124 mph – Minnesota State Patrol - District 2400 (Oakdale)
- 123 mph – Minnesota State Patrol - District 2900 (Detroit Lakes)
- 121 mph – Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
- 120 mph – Scott County Sheriff's Office
- 120 mph – Douglas County Sheriff's Office
- 119 mph – Itasca County Sheriff's Office
- 117 mph – Minnesota State Patrol - District 2500 (Golden Valley)
Here is the list of speeding citations and highest speed by participating agencies.
Speeding Excuses Won’t Save You in a Crash
Law enforcement agencies heard a variety of excuses from speeding drivers, including:
- It’s a hybrid, and I can’t hear the engine.
- Mistakenly had driven two hours the wrong direction and was supposed to be in Wayzata.
- Arguing over the phone with her mom regarding fast food and didn’t realize her speed.
- In a hurry to run some errands before my bridal shower.
- Going down a hill.
- Cruise is broken.
- Gas light is on and trying to get to a gas station.
- Need to get to a restroom (after passing two exits).
- Having a bad day.
Speed-Related Deaths and Serious Injuries on Wrong Trajectory
Drivers choosing to speed contributed to a jump in speed-related fatalities and serious injuries when comparing this July to previous years.
Traffic Fatalities
|
July 1 - 31
|
Speed-Related Fatalities
|
Total Fatalities
|
|
2017
|
50
|
197
|
|
2018
|
61
|
195
|
|
2019
|
39
|
188
|
|
2020*
|
66
|
202
|
|
2021*
|
94
|
257
|
|
Total
|
310
|
1,039
|
*Preliminary figures for 2020 and 2021
Serious Injuries
|
July 1 - 31
|
Speed-Related Serious Injuries
|
Total Serious Injuries
|
|
2017
|
225
|
1,057
|
|
2018
|
202
|
942
|
|
2019
|
214
|
843
|
|
2020*
|
219
|
862
|
|
2021*
|
250
|
974
|
|
Total
|
1,110
|
4,678
|
*Preliminary figures for 2020 and 2021
Reduce Speed. Reduce Chance of a Crash.
- Gives the driver more vehicle control.
- Allows the driver to respond more quickly to road situations.
- Decreases the severity of the impact during a crash.
Count to Three
- Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles.
- It takes more than the length of a football field to stop when traveling at 60 miles per hour. Drive Smart: Avoid Speeding Risks.
A Costly Choice
A citation may affect a person’s bank account, driving record or insurance rates, but the resulting change in behavior can be a lifesaver. A speed-related crash can lead to far worse consequences.
- The cost of a speeding violation will vary by county, but it will typically cost a driver more than $110 with court fees for traveling 10 mph over the limit.
- Fines double for those speeding 20 mph over the limit.
- Drivers can lose their license for six months for going 100 mph or more.
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