
Dear Editor,
Speeding continues to be a big problem on Minnesota’s roadways! Last year, speeding was a contributing factor in approximately 1/3 of road fatalities, and the State Patrol issued more than 1,100 citations to motorists traveling 100 mph or faster.
Danger and tragedy can lurk behind the wheel during the 100 most-traveled days of the year, the weeks bookended by Memorial Day and Labor Day. Whether headed out for work or fun, too many drivers are packing bad habits like record levels of excessive speed, aggressive behavior and distracted driving. The result has been deadly. Preliminary figures show 46 people lost their lives in crashes during the 25 days following Memorial Day this year. After trending down in crashes since 2021, Minnesota is once again seeing an increase in fatal crashes up 20% overall from 2023. Those crashes are all about speed, lack of seat belt use, impairment, and distraction.
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.
Posted speed limits aren’t suggestions – they are there to keep drivers and passengers safe. We can all do our part to be sure that everyone makes it home in our travels this summer.
You Speed, You Crash
While getting a ticket may be a primary concern when exceeding the speed limit, drivers should worry about far more dangerous consequences:
114 – That’s how many Minnesotans didn’t make it home in 2023 due to speed-related crashes, according to preliminary data.
237 – Traffic fatalities so far in 2024, which is a 20% INCREASE from same time last year.
30 – That’s how many speed-related fatalities there have been in Minnesota through April of this year. (43% higher than at this time last year!)
411 – The total number of Minnesota Traffic fatalities in 2023.
0 – That’s how many traffic deaths there should be on Minnesota roads.
Summer and Speed – Make the Safe Choice
Consequences
• Citations could cost $100 or more, plus court fees.
• Increased insurance premium costs
• A motor vehicle crash involving speed could result in criminal/civil penalties.
• Speeding of 100MPH can result in loss of driver’s license for 6 months.
If confronted with a speeding/aggressive driver it is recommended to do the following:
• Get out of their way, disengage. Move to the right if you are able.
• Stay calm – reaching your destination is your goal.
• Do not challenge them.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Ignore gestures and don’t return them.
• Report aggressive/speeding driving (vehicle description, license number, location)
Drivers need to plan trips in advance – allow the time necessary to arrive at your destination safely and on time. The minimal time gained while speeding could have life-long consequences. Consider this – a motorist traveling at 55 miles per hour compared to 45 miles per hour will save only 1 minute and 13 seconds on a 5-mile trip!
Speeding is also tied to aggressive driving, such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes and red-light running. These behaviors are not only unnecessary but speak to a troubling culture on our roads where people put their schedules ahead of everyone else’s safety.
The tragedies that occur because of speeding motorists are simply preventable. These deaths and severe injuries do not have to happen. Help us drive Minnesota towards zero deaths by driving at safe speeds. Remember that the speed limit is either the posted speed or the speed that is safe for conditions (in cases of inclement weather slow down).
Sincerely,
Chad Hausmann, Wright County Highway Engineer
Safe Communities of Wright County Board Member