ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. – Drive at safe speeds and you won’t find flashing lights in your rear-view mirror. Anoka County Law Enforcement Agencies are conducting increased speed patrols March 18-22, 2013 to combat a deadly cause of traffic crashes. The special “speed week” enforcement and education effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Unsafe and illegal speed is the most commonly reported contributing factor in fatal crashes. During 2009–2011, speed was a contributing factor in 9 fatalities in Anoka County and 254 traffic deaths statewide.
In Anoka County an average speeding citation for 10 mph over the limit is $125. Motorists stopped at 20 mph over the speed limit face double the fine, and those ticketed traveling more than 100 mph can lose their license for six months.
“Traveling at unsafe speeds only speeds up your chances of crashing violently,” says Anoka County TZD spokesperson Sgt. Jeff Warner. “Be patient behind the wheel and follow the posted speed as it reflects the safe speed for a road’s design.”
Consequences of Speeding
Anoka County cites these dangers of speeding:
· Greater potential for loss of vehicle control.
· Increased stopping distance.
· Less time available for driver response for crash avoidance.
· Increased crash severity leading to more numerous and severe injuries.
Anoka County reports that a motorist traveling at 65 miles per hour compared to 55 mph will save only 1 minute and 41 seconds on a 10 mile trip.
Anoka County Law Enforcement Agencies are conducting “speed weeks” — extra speed enforcement and education efforts — through Sept. 30, 2013, as part of the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.
