Law enforcement agencies across the state are putting their foot down on a problem that has increased on Minnesota roads since the start of the pandemic.
We're talking about a sharp rise in the number of speeding drivers. Preliminary reports show 120 motorists died in speed related crashes last year the most since 2008. So far this year, six people have died in speed related crashes on Minnesota roads. Authorities believe less congested roads have some drivers thinking they can ignore the speed limit.
"We need to solve this problem now," says Mike Hanson with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. "We've already had six too many fatalities as a direct result of speeding drivers. If we don't solve it now, that horrific cost will continue and it will only accelerate as our roads get busier in the spring leading into the summer."
Last year, law enforcement officers across the state issued more than 1,000 speeding tickets for vehicles traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, double the number from the year before. Drivers can lose their license for six months for going 100 miles per hour or more.
