Cops Accelerate Effort to Catch Speeding Motorists Through July

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If you've gotten a speeding ticket so far in July, you likely already know there's an extra effort this month to target speeders in Scott County.

The enhanced speed enforcement patrols in July are part of a statewide campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.  

In Scott County, an average speeding citation for 10 mph over the limit is $130. 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.

“As drivers, we can’t put our schedules ahead of other motorists’ safety,” says Shakopee Police Officer Nicki Marquardt. “Running late or being in a hurry are not excuses to speed and put other drivers at risk.”

Consequences of Speeding

Law enforcement 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.

When in a hurry, it is important to remember 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.

Are You an Aggressive Driver?

Aggressive driving traits — such as tailgating, unsafe passing, running lights and weaving in and out of traffic — are another safety concern of law enforcement during the campaign. Officer Marquardt says motorists confronted by aggressive drivers should: Get out of their way, stay calm, do not challenge them and avoid eye contact. Motorists may also report aggressive driving and should be prepared to provide vehicle description, license number and location.

Three Seconds Is the Safe Following Distance

Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles. It takes more than the length of a football field to stop when traveling at 60 miles per hour.

Look Twice for Motorcyclists

Another safety concern in July is the record-high number of motorcyclists on the road. Marquardt says a major factor in rider deaths are unsafe speeds — more than half of all motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle events in which the rider loses control of the bike and runs off the road or crashes. She stresses for motorists to look twice for riders — especially at intersections — because motorcycles are smaller, their speeds and distance can be harder to gauge.