By Rich Larson
Despite the 4th of July holiday coming to an end, motorists traveling through Rice County can still expect to see more law enforcement officers on area highways as part of a continuing statewide campaign aimed at reducing traffic fatalities during Minnesota’s most dangerous driving season.
The Rice County Sheriff’s Office, along with three other local law enforcement agencies, is participating in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety Border-to-Border Speed Saturation campaign. The enforcement effort runs through Sept. 2 and coincides with the state’s annual “100 Deadliest Days” campaign, which spans from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Drivers on Highways 14, 19 and 60 in southern Minnesota will see an increased law enforcement presence focused on the four driving behaviors linked to the vast majority of fatal crashes: speeding, impaired driving, failure to wear a seat belt and distracted driving.
According to the Department of Public Safety, those risky behaviors are associated with more than 90 percent of traffic deaths in Minnesota.
The campaign comes after 111 people were killed on Minnesota roads during the 100 Deadliest Days period last year. State data shows speeding was a factor in 31 of those deaths, while alcohol use contributed to 37 fatalities. Sixteen victims were not wearing seat belts, and distracted driving was involved in five fatal crashes.
While traffic safety officials point to signs of progress, they say dangerous driving remains a significant concern. In 2025, Minnesota recorded 388 speed-related serious injuries and 102 speed-related fatalities, the lowest annual totals since 2019. However, law enforcement officers issued 166,284 speed-related citations during the year, highlighting the continued prevalence of excessive speed on state roadways.
One of the more extreme violations involved a motorcyclist clocked at 130 miles per hour in a 60-mph zone.
Traffic safety officials emphasize that speeding rarely saves significant travel time but dramatically increases the risk of severe injury or death. The goal of the enforcement campaign, they say, is not simply to issue tickets but to encourage safer driving behaviors and prevent crashes before they occur.
Authorities are urging Rice County motorists to obey posted speed limits, buckle up, avoid distractions and never drive impaired as enforcement efforts continue throughout the summer travel season.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
