ST. PAUL — The Minnesota State Patrol is turning up the heat on aggressive drivers by extending its Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program through the end of the year. Motorists will continue to see a significant State Patrol presence on freeways around the state while troopers focus on excessive speeding.
“Our HEAT patrols are working. Fatalities are down nearly 10 percent from this time last year, but we're still seeing too many deadly crashes and too many people driving dangerously," said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “We've heard from Minnesotans that they want to see us on the roads and they want us to stop aggressive drivers. Through these patrols around the state, our troopers can do just that."
Through December, troopers from neighboring districts will work in teams to saturate a specific enforcement area. In addition to troopers on the freeway, State Patrol aviation will be used during HEAT patrols to ensure drivers attempting to flee from traffic stops will be located and held accountable.
Statewide HEAT Enforcement Feb. 14-Aug. 30:
Traffic Stops: 20,067
Citations: 9,197
Speed Citations: 6,398
Arrests: 191
DWI Arrests: 91
Speed-Related Fatalities Jan. 1-Aug. 30
Overall Fatalities Jan. 1-Aug. 30
The State Patrol first began the HEAT program in February to focus on traffic safety while providing an increased law enforcement presence in Minneapolis. In March, HEAT was expanded across the state and extended through the summer. Since its start, troopers have worked over 11,000 hours and logged more than 252,000 miles.
“Our goal is to educate drivers on the dangers of speed along with enforcement," said Col. Langer. “By following posted speed limits, we all can help keep Minnesotans safer."
About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Minnesota State Patrol
Nearly 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers are the foundation of the agency that works to provide a safe environment on Minnesota's roads by assisting motorists, taking enforcement action and educating drivers about traffic safety issues. In addition to road safety activities, troopers conduct flight patrols, search and rescue missions and assist other law enforcement agencies.
