Speeding tickets are also ahead of last year’s rate.
“Our enforcement activity is up significantly,” says State Patrol Col. Matt Langer. “But the reason why we’re doing this in the first place is top of mind. Fatal crashes are also up in 2021, and speed is an absolutely clear winner when you talk about contributing factors of those who are killed on our roads in Minnesota.”
In one Anoka County case, sheriff’s deputies pulled over a 17 year old going 73 in a 30 mile an hour zone near Andover High School. Langer credits the deputy for being in the right place to stop him before someone got hurt.
“You know 70 miles per hour or more in a 30 zone is just ridiculous,” said Langer. “That puts everyone at risk, whether you’re walking biking or driving on this road, anywhere in Minnesota, but particularly in the area of a high school.”
In 2020, Langer says roads that had fewer traffic because of the pandemic seemed to entice drivers to speed. He hopes a combination of education and enforcement will change that behavior. The State Patrol reminds drivers that speeding 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. The costs vary by county.
