(KNSI) – Speeding drivers will be the target of law enforcement in Central Minnesota starting Friday.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety says they’re conducting an enforcement campaign because speed-related traffic fatalities are outpacing 2020 and on pace to be the highest in more than a decade.
The department says speed is the primary reason the traffic fatality rate exceeds last year and historical averages.
The Minnesota State Patrol, sheriffs’ offices, and police departments will be patrolling in targeted regions to stop speeding and aggressive driving.
The Minnesota State Patrol St. Cloud region includes Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Todd, and Wright counties.
High visibility law enforcement patrols may also be active over the weekend.
The Department of Public Safety says 56 speed-related deaths have been reported as of May 12 compared with 26 this time last year.
Preliminary figures show 129 people have died in traffic crashes since January 1 compared to 94 at this time last year.
The last time Minnesota reached 129 fatalities by May 12 was in 2008, when 133 people died on Minnesota roads up to that point.
Troopers have issued 25,729 speeding citations through April 29 compared with 24,239 tickets written at this time last year.
Troopers cited 325 motorists for going 100 mph or more through April 29 compared to 306 at this time last year.
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