COVID-19 News: state law enforcement works overtime to catch irresponsible drivers

This is an emergency scene including both a fire engine and an ambulance.

Maybe file this under COVID-19 related news….

The Minnesota State Patrol has reported several times that, despite the coronavirus business shutdowns and home lockdowns, traffic on Minnesota’s highways has in some ways gotten worse. Reduced traffic on Minnesota’s roads has apparently encouraged some drivers to drive faster and more irresponsibly than at this time of year in previous seasons.

From April 1 – May 21, the Minnesota State Patrol pulled over 232 drivers traveling more than 100 mph. That’s compared to 93 drivers during the same time period last year, a 149 percent increase. Of the 232 drivers, 179 were 30-years-old or younger.

Overall fatal crashes and fatalities from March 16 – May 31 increased over last year despite reduced traffic. Preliminary reports show speed has already contributed to 36 motorists dying on Minnesota roads in 2020, compared with 27 at this time last year.

To help put the brakes on speed-related deaths and educate motorists, officers, deputies and troopers across Minnesota will work overtime shifts June 22 through July 19. Law enforcement agencies across the state will participate in the campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS).