By Rich Larson
Motorists traveling through southern Minnesota can expect to see more law enforcement patrols this summer as Rice County agencies join a statewide effort aimed at reducing traffic fatalities during the busiest travel season of the year.
The enhanced enforcement is part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety’s annual “100 Deadliest Days” campaign, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Four Rice County law enforcement agencies are participating in the Border-to-Border (B2B) Speed Saturation campaign, a coordinated initiative now in its 10th year.
From July 1 through Sept. 2, drivers will notice increased patrols along Highways 14, 19 and 60 throughout southern Minnesota. Officers will focus on what traffic safety officials call the “big four” deadly driving behaviors: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and failing to wear a seat belt. According to state officials, those factors are associated with more than 90% of traffic deaths.
The campaign comes as Minnesota continues to battle preventable roadway fatalities. During last year’s summer enforcement period, 111 people died on Minnesota roads. Of those fatalities, 31 involved speeding, 37 involved alcohol, 16 victims were not wearing seat belts and five crashes involved distracted drivers.
Traffic safety officials say progress is being made, but challenges remain. In 2025, Minnesota recorded 388 speed-related serious injuries and 102 speed-related deaths, the lowest annual totals since 2019. However, law enforcement agencies still issued 166,284 speed-related citations during the year, highlighting the continued prevalence of dangerous driving behavior.
One notable traffic stop involved a motorcyclist traveling 130 mph in a 60 mph zone.
Officials stress that the goal of the campaign is not simply writing tickets but saving lives. Drivers are encouraged to obey posted speed limits, buckle up, avoid distractions and never drive impaired to help ensure a safer summer on Minnesota roadways.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
