Minnesota has recorded the most speed-related traffic deaths in a decade.

Preliminary reports by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) show 113 motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2018 in speed-related crashes, the first time the figure has risen above 100 since 2008.

In a bid to tackle the problem, officers, deputies and troopers are working overtime to July 21 and more than 300 agencies will participate in a speed campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS).

“Going the speed limit and slowing down in construction zones are critical to us all coming home to our loved ones at the end of the day,” said Mike Hanson, OTS Director.

Statistics from DPS show:

  • During the 100 deadliest days (Memorial Day–Labor Day) in 2018, preliminary numbers show speed played a role in 30 fatalities
  • During the 100 deadliest days in the past five years (2014-2018), preliminary numbers show that 117 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes
  • In 2018, speed was a contributing factor in 23 percent of single-vehicle crashes