9 Excuses Cops Heard From Speeding MN Drivers In July

MINNESOTA — Police officers from nearly 300 different agencies across Minnesota reported 17,205 speeding citations during the July enforcement campaign.

What they found is that speeding is up in Minnesota. During the campaign, 55 agencies reported speeds of 100 mph or more compared with 40 agencies during last year’s campaign. The five highest speeds included:

• 131 mph in St. Cloud
• 128 mph in Mankato
• 125 mph at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police Department
• 124 mph in Oakdale
• 123 mph in Detroit Lakes

Police officers said they heard all kinds of excuses from speeding drivers, including these nine:

• "It’s a hybrid, and I can’t hear the engine."
• Mistakenly had driven two hours the wrong direction and was supposed to be in Wayzata.
• Arguing over the phone with her mom regarding fast food and didn’t realize her speed.
• "In a hurry to run some errands before my bridal shower."
• "Going down a hill."
• "Cruise is broken."
• "Gaslight is on and trying to get to a gas station."
• "Need to get to a restroom" (after passing two exits)
• "Having a bad day"

Speeding drivers caused a spike in road fatalities and serious injuries in July.