Saturday has been proclaimed Statewide Speed Enforcement Day

Perhaps you have seen the message "1 in 5 Traffic Deaths Speed Related" that are being flashed on overhead electronic signs along metro are freeways and highways.

Minnesota law enforcement hopes you take the message to heart.

This weekend through July 27, nearly 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies will increase patrols who will be looking for speeders and those driving at unsafe speeds for the conditions.

Speed is a leading contributing factor in fatal or serious injury crashes, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety (DPS/OTS).Over the past three years, illegal and unsafe speed was attributed to 212 fatal crashes resulting in 235 deaths and 666 serious injuries, the department said.

"Far too many motorists ignore speed limits and put all of our lives at risk on the road by speeding," said Donna Berger, OTS director. "There's greater potential to lose control, you have less time to avoid a crash, and the chances are higher of being killed or seriously injured."

Saturday has been proclaimed Statewide Speed Enforcement Day, a day when going to fast could result in a ticket that will cost you $120 or more.

In addition to putting other motorists at risk, speeding:
• Increases the potential for loss of vehicle control.
• Requires greater stopping distance – it takes more than the length of a football field to stop when traveling 60 mph.
• Decreases the time available for driver response and crash avoidance.
• Increases crash severity – the faster the speed, the more violent the crash.

Minnesota Law
The Minnesota statute on speed limits requires motorists to drive with due care:
• Every driver must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions.
• Motorists must be aware of actual and potential hazards on the highway and use due care in operating a vehicle.

Driving at least 20 mph over the speed limit doubles the fine and those ticketed at more than 100 mph can lose their license for six months.

Driving Tips
If confronted by a speeding or aggressive driver:
• Get out of their way.
• Do not challenge the other driver.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Ignore gestures and don't return them.
• Find a safe place to call 911 to report aggressive driving. Be prepared to offer the vehicle description, license number and location.
• Always buckle up to maintain proper seating position in case of abrupt driving maneuvers.