We call the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day “the 100 deadliest days" to be on Minnesota's roads. So far this year, that name is turning out to be all too true.

Preliminary figures show 46 people have lost their lives in crashes during the first 25 days of the current 100 days.

That means this summer is off to one of the deadliest starts on our roads in more than 10 years. Sadly, those crashes are all about speed, lack of seat belt use, impairment and distraction. 

“You might be a good driver, but that won't stop the driver in the next car over from weaving into your lane or cutting you off," Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank said. “Following traffic laws won't just save you from a citation — it could save your life." 

Speed continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury crashes across Minnesota. To help motorists make safe driving decisions, our Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) launched a speeding extra enforcement and awareness campaign July 1. It runs through July 31. The campaign is aimed at bringing law enforcement partners together to stop speeders from endangering their own lives and the lives of others.

While getting a ticket may be a primary concern when speeding, drivers should worry about far more dangerous consequences. In 2022, preliminary figures show 129 people died in speed-related crashes.

Speeding is getting worse in our state. It contributed to an average of 85 deaths per year from 2013-2017, but an average of 122 deaths per year from 2018-2022. Slowing down just makes sense. It gives you more control as a driver, gives you more time to respond to unexpected hazards and reduces the severity of the impact during a crash.

“If we all work together, we can have a safe and tragedy free summer, and go home with nothing but a sunburn and great memories," OTS Director Mike Hanson said.

Staying safe on our roads is as simple as driving the speed limit, paying attention, never driving impaired and always paying attention.

“That's what we encourage everyone to do every day, whether they are behind the wheel or just a passenger in a car," Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said.

Drivers: Give yourself room. Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles. Remember that it takes more than a length of a football field to stop when traveling at 60 mph.

If you're a passenger, speak up if the driver is speeding. Ask the driver to slow down or offer to drive to make sure it's a safe ride home.

It's up to all of us to do our part and drive smart, making good decisions behind the wheel. Learn more at DriveSmartMN.org.​​​