Law enforcement cracking down on speeding and distracted driving

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) -Starting May 1, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will be increasing patrols and cracking down on things like speeding and distracted driving.

 “Last year was not a good year. 479 people lost their lives on Minnesota roads last year. That’s the second highest that we’ve seen in twenty years,” said Mike Hanson with the Department of Public Safety.

The initiative comes from Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety, which works with the State Patrol, Sheriff’s Offices and local law enforcement to find points of emphasis.

The department said that they are especially targeting speed and distracted driving because those statistics have been going the wrong direction for several years, and they believe that something has to change.

“Every single one of these deaths that we talk about, we can talk numbers all we want but these are families that are burying a loved one during this 100 days or any time during the year,” Hanson said. “These are life-long, life-lasting impacts that we’re trying to prevent.”

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 Deadliest Days”, when roads have increased traffic for summer travel and drivers drive faster with no ice snow holding them back.

The added patrols will be at locations that have already been identified as problem areas and will depend on the specific area or community.

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