Shakopee Police Increasing Speed Enforcement Starting Nov. 5

(The following is a press release from the Shakopee Police Department.)

Shakopee Police Officers have heard every excuse from motorists for speeding, but now motorists should hear this: there will be enhanced speed enforcement patrols this week, November 5-9.

The special “speed week” enforcement and education effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The combined effort also includes the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments in Jordan, Belle Plaine, New Prague and Elko New Mark.

In Scott County, an average speeding citation for 10 mph over the limit is $120.  Motorists stopped at 20 mph over the speed limit face double the fine, and those ticketed traveling more than 100 mph can lose their license for six months.

“As drivers, we can’t put our schedules ahead of other motorists’ safety,” said Shakopee Police Officer Nicki Marquardt. “Running late or being in a hurry are not excuses to speed and put other drivers at risk.”

Consequences of Speeding

Shakopee Police cite these dangers of speeding:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control.
• Increased stopping distance.
• Less time available for driver response for crash avoidance.
• Increased crash severity leading to more numerous and severe injuries.

Officer Marquardt reports that a motorist traveling at 65 miles per hour compared to 55 mph will save only 1 minute and 41 seconds on a 10 mile trip.

Are You an Aggressive Driver?

Aggressive driving traits—such as tailgating, unsafe passing, running lights and weaving in and out of traffic—are another safety concern of the Shakopee Police Department. Officer Marquardt says motorists confronted by aggressive drivers should: Get out of their way, stay calm, do not challenge them and avoid eye contact. Motorists may also report aggressive driving and should be prepared to provide vehicle description, license number and location.

Three Seconds Is the Safe Following Distance

Officer Marquardt says motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles. It takes more than the length of a football field to stop when traveling at 60 miles per hour.

Local law enforcement agencies are conducting “speed weeks” — extra speed enforcement and education efforts — through Sept. 30, 2013, as part of the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.