Law enforcement agencies in Scott County plan to take part in a state program that will concentrate on speed compliance during the month of April.

 Local participating law enforcement agencies include police departments in Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, New Prague, Belle Plaine and Jordan and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

The Safe & Sober enforcement and education campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Over the years 2004-2006, speed was a contributing factor in four deaths in Scott County and 464 deaths statewide. Speeding is the most commonly reported factor in fatal crashes. Each year in Minnesota, speed contributes to about 150 traffic deaths and 7,000 injuries. A speeding ticket can range from $120 to $380 in Scott County.

“Speeding motorists are a constant threat to road safety,” said Shakopee police officer Nicki Marquardt. “When speeds increase, crashes become more violent, and we aim to prevent those from occurring.”

Marquardt cites warmer weather and clear roads as reasons why motorists increase speeding behavior, factors that are relevant as the state heads into the summer driving season, the deadliest time on Minnesota roads. She says that speeding doesn’t save much travel time and greatly increases risk of a crash. Traveling at 55 mph vs. 45 mph for a 10-mile journey will save only 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 100 mph or more are subject to a six-month license revocation.