Scott County motorists will face enhanced speed enforcement patrols throughout July.

Local law enforcement agencies participating in the enhanced speed enforcement effort include the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, New Prague, Jordan and Belle Plaine. Motorists can expect to see high-visibility enforcement throughout the county with multiple squads working together in one area. 

Speed is the most commonly reported contributing factor in fatal crashes. According to Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), speed contributes to about 150 traffic deaths and 7,000 injuries each year.

“Speeding motorists are a serious threat to everyone on the road,” said Shakopee police officer Nicki Marquardt. “When speed increases, so does the chance for violent a crash.”

Marquardt said that with warm weather comes an increase in speeding behavior, an important reminder to motorists in the heart of the summer driving season — the deadliest time on Minnesota roads.

She also notes that increased speed does not save much travel time, rather, “your chances of being involved in a crash greatly increase as speed increases.” Traveling at 55 mph vs. 45 mph for a 10-mile journey will only save about 2½ minutes of travel time.

In Minnesota, speeding fines are doubled if a motorist is caught speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, and drivers traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more are subject to a six-month license revocation.

The Safe & Sober effort is coordinated by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.