'High-Intensity Patrols' In Place This Weekend In Dakota County: MSP

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Minnesota State Patrol troopers will conduct high-intensity patrols in Dakota, Washington and Chisago counties this weekend, the agency said.

This is part of the state patrol's "Project 20(22)," which focuses on reducing dangerous driving behaviors, the agency said.

The goal of the project is to have a visible presence of troopers on the highways so drivers make safer driving decisions, Minnesota State Patrol said.

Through June 19, there have been 155 traffic-related deaths this year in Minnesota, the patrol said.

Fifteen troopers will patrol east metro highways in the three counties and focus on the deadliest traffic violations: speed, lack of seat belt use, distraction and impairment, the patrol said. The extra troopers will patrol the highways from 2 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the state patrol.

The first group of extra patrolling occurred in May in Brainerd Lakes, the patrol said.

"The first weekend of Project 20(22) in May was a big success," Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said. "Our troopers worked really hard to stop drivers who were breaking the law and endangering themselves and other motorists. This continued enforcement will help make Minnesota roads safer by stopping dangerous driving behaviors. Our message remains simple: buckle up, drive the speed limit, plan a sober ride and always pay attention."