Watch CBS News

State Patrol To Crack Down On Excessive Speeding July 10-26

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota State Patrol launched a new campaign Thursday morning in an effort to keep drivers safe across the state this summer.

The State Patrol said more than 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will be involved in conducting speed patrols over the next three weekends, starting Friday. It's part of the "Speak Up about Slowing Down" Campaign.

Authorities said on average, 28 people die and 79 others suffer serious injuries in crashes involving excessive speed from June to August.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said studies show driving faster in fact doesn't help you get to your destination that much faster. According to AAA, a 30-mile trip at 55 miles per hour is completed in just more than 32 minutes. That same trip at 65 miles per hour saves only about five minutes, and at 75 miles per hour it saves about eight minutes.

Authorities said excessive speed remains a major factor in crashes, and about 20 percent of fatal crashes on the state's roads can be attributed to driving too fast. Authorities say speed is a factor in an average of about 105 deaths and 284 serious injury accidents every year.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.