Southern Minnesota Authorities Planning Border-to-Border Speeding Crackdown During 4th of July Travel

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Motorists hitting the road for the 4th of July holiday can expect some extra company on the roads in southern Minnesota. 

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AAA is predicting a record 72.2 million people are planning to travel for Independence Day. 61.1 million of the predicted travelers are expected to get to their destinations by driving. 

There will also be an enhanced law enforcement presence along some of the major roadways that cross through southern Minnesota.

Southern Minnesota Law Enforcement Planning 4th of July Travel Speed Crackdown

4th of July travel also falls in the so-called 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads, a period of time when the state sees typically an uptick of traffic deaths. 

Last year 151 lives were lost in crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 44 of those crashes were speed related, according to preliminary figures from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. 

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Authorities say speed was the leading cause of fatal crashes in Minnesota in 2024. 

In an effort to reduce speed-related deaths on the state’s roads, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is one of multiple agencies planning to participate in a Border-to-Border Speed Saturation effort during July 4 travel. 

Olsted County Sheriff's Office squad SUV

On July 3, law enforcement agencies in southern Minnesota are planning on conducting extra speed enforcement on Highways 14, 19 and 60. 

Deputies will be concentrating on speed enforcement on Hwy. 14 in Olmsted County, according to an Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office news release. 

“Our goal is that every driver operates their vehicle safely, drives the posted speed limit and adjusts their speed to the conditions. But if drivers do not, we will take appropriate action to keep this a safe summer on our roadways for everyone. Our deepest concern is your safety and saving lives,” the news release says.