by Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Columnist
Question: Why does State Patrol waste time writing speeding tickets when they could chase down more aggressive drivers like people who blow stop signs, cut you off or drive impaired?
Answer: You are not alone in the way you perceive speeding violations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s [NHTSA] website states that research is showing that the public erroneously believes that speeding is not a great risk to safety or is not as serious as other traffic violations. Looking at all crashes in Minnesota last year the most cited factors were, in order of frequency: inattentive or distracted driving, fail to yield, and illegal or unsafe speed. When looking at all fatal crashes illegal or unsafe speed is the #1 factor cited.
Speed is force and energy. This trauma to our tissue and the more speed you have – the more damage to the body. Also, the faster we are traveling the less time it takes to cover distance. Shortening the time it takes to travel a certain distance shortens our time to reason and react. At higher speeds, there is greater potential for losing control of the vehicle and not regaining it. The driver traveling at high speeds is often driving aggressively: abrupt lane changes, following too close and impatient with others.
The occupant protection system built into a vehicle, seatbelt, structural engineering, airbags, padded dashes and windshields to mention a few, are all incredibly effective. They are designed to displace, disperse or absorb as much force as possible before it gets to your body. But the faster you go, the less effective they are at doing this. By exceeding limits you reduce the effectiveness of all occupant protection. Speed is a serious issue and can shatter life. Slow down and arrive alive without a costly citation.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)