Over the last three years, 2004-2006, speed was a contributing factor in 419 fatal crashes resulting in 464 deaths statewide.
This Safe & Sober speed enforcement and education campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Speeding is the most commonly reported factor in fatal crashes. Each year in Minnesota, speed contributes to about 150 traffic deaths and 7,000 injuries. In western Minnesota a speeding ticket for 10 mph over the limit can cost approximately $125.
Many people may not realize that speeding motorists are a threat to road safety. It's a fact that when speeds increase, crashes become more violent.
Trooper Andy Schmidt said, "I want people to understand that for every 10 mph faster than 50 mph a person's chances of dying in a crash double.
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"This means that at 70 mph your chances of dying in a crash are four times greater than at 50 mph," he adds. "Most people in our area of the state are surprised to learn that more than twice as many speed-related fatal crashes occur on rural roads than major urban roads.
"With warm weather and clear roads drivers tend to increase their speed," Schmidt said.
This is relevant as the state heads into the summer driving season, the deadliest time on Minnesota roads. In reality, speeding doesn't save much travel time and greatly increases risk of a crash.
Traveling at 55 mph versus 45 mph for a 10-mile journey will save only two and one-half minutes of travel time. How much time do you save while waiting for the Trooper to write your speeding ticket?
In Minnesota, speeding fines are doubled if a motorist is caught speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, and drivers traveling 100 mph or more are subject to a six-month license revocation.
"Not only Troopers but officers throughout Minnesota will be working this enforcement campaign," Schmidt said.
The Safe & Sober effort is coordinated by OTS as a component of the state's Toward Zero Death initiative. TZD is a multi-agency approach to address traffic issues regionally through enforcement, education, engineering and emergency trauma care and response.
