Watch CBS News

DPS: Over 17,000 Speeding Citations Issued In July Across Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Over 17,000 drivers were cited for speeding on Minnesota roads during the month of July, all while speeding injury and fatality figures increased this year compared to last year.

Last year the Minnesota Department of Public Safety recorded over 16,000 citations in July. The year before that, it administered over 21,000.

But this year, 94 people died in speed-related crashes in the first seven months compared to 66 in 2020 and 39 the year before that. In all, 257 people have died on Minnesota roads this year.

Additionally, 250 people were seriously injured due to speeding in the first seven months and 974 people have suffered injuries in all of 2021. From Jan. 1 to July 31 of last year, 219 people were seriously injured.

DPS says 55 agencies reported drivers going over 100 mph compared to 40 last year. The highest recorded speed was a driver going 131 mph in St. Cloud.

Excuses given for speeding included "mistakenly had driven two hours the wrong direction and was supposed to be in Wayzata," "it's a hybrid and I can't hear the engine," and "having a bad day."

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.