ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired July 1, 2022.
Many things have changed since the COVID pandemic began winding down, but it seems one thing has not: the behavior of motorists who are simply driving too fast.
Officials at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) released results of a month-long extra speed enforcement campaign Monday, and the numbers are eye opening. State troopers, officers and deputies from 300 agencies across the state wrote 18,983 citations for speeding between July 1-31.
DPS says during the campaign 37 different agencies reported tickets written for speeds in excess of 100 mph. Among the most egregious offenders:
- A driver going 140 mph was busted by the Cambridge Police Department
- 130 mph – Olmstead County Sheriff’s Office
- 128 mph – Minnetonka Police Department
- 128 mph – Minnesota State Patrol District 2700 (Duluth)
- 127 mph – Shakopee Police Department
In the Twin Cities metro, Ramsey County deputies wrote the most citations with 402, followed by St. Paul PD with 385 and Edina PD with 294. In greater Minnesota, Olmstead County deputies handed out 196 tickets, followed by Wright County with 195 and Isanti County with 188.
State Troopers wrote a total of 5,953 citations across five districts.
Along with the stops come a number of stories, some of them head-scratchers. Among the best (or worst) of them:
- Cambridge Police stopped a 19-year-old nanny with kids in the car for driving 94 mph in a 65 mph zone. She stated she was trying to figure out the cruise control.
- Eagan police stopped two cars racing at 103 mph in a 50 mph zone. One driver was arrested for DWI.
- A Foley police officer cited the same person twice just an hour apart for speed.
- Troopers in the Golden Valley District pulled over a 16-year-old driving on a learners permit for going 110 mph. His parents were called to the scene.
- Troopers clocked a vehicle going 86 mph. As they got behind the driver she increased speeds to 110 mph. The 23-year-old said she thought the trooper was a vehicle trying to race her.
DPS says there are a number of good reasons to stay at the speed limit, including that it gives the driver more control, allows motorists more time to react to road situations, and decreases the severity of impact should a crash occur.
Speeding violations are costly, typically costing $110 plus fees for a driver traveling 10 mph over the speed limit, while those clocked 20 over pay double that amount. Those busted for driving over 100 mph can also lose their license for six months or longer.
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