Increased speed patrols on area roads, July 10-27
Summertime sees an increase in temperatures, as well as an increase in speeding motorists. The Atwater Police Department, Benson Police Department, Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Swift County Sheriff’s Office and the Willmar Police Department are conducting increased speed patrols, July 10-27, as part of a statewide speed enforcement effort. The campaign aims to combat a leading factor in deadly traffic crashes. The enforcement and education effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Unsafe and illegal speed is the most commonly reported contributing factor in fatal crashes. During 2011–2013, speed was a contributing factor in 235 traffic deaths statewide.
In Kandiyohi and Swift Counties, an average speeding citation for 10 mph over the limit is at least $120. 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.
“Blue skies and clear roads doesn’t mean it’s safer to travel at fast, dangerous speeds,” says Sheriff Dan Hartog. “July is always one of our deadliest months and this campaign aims to pull over motorists who are driving too fast and aggressively.”
Consequences of Speeding