Speedand Aggressive Driving Talking Points

Key Messages

1)With no worries about ice and snow, speeding in the summer tempts a lot of drivers, and the results are deadly.

  • Summer months provide beautiful weather in Minnesota but the dry roads also allow for drivers to get complacent with speeding. During the 100 deadliest days (Memorial Day – Labor Day) in 2017, preliminary numbers show speed played a role in 23 fatalities.
  • During the 100 deadliest days in the past five years (2013-2017), preliminary numbers show that 108 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes.
  • Preliminary numbers show 88 people were killed in speed-related crashes in 2017.
  • In 2017, speed was a contributing factor in 22 percent of single-vehicle crashes.

2)Reducing speed and aggressive driving reduces the chances of a crash.

  • Gives the driver more vehicle controland decreases the time and distance required to stop.
  • Allows the driver to respond more quickly to road situations.
  • Decreases the severity of the impact during a crash.

3)Drive Minnesota Nice

  • Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles.
  • Aggressive driving, speeding and weaving through traffic give drivers less room for error and can cause others to react in a way that endangers their lives.
  • Safe driving is a cooperative effort, and the stats show there’s room for better cooperation. When comparing the five year periods of 2008 - 2012 to 2013 - 2017:
  • There has been a 7 percent reduction in speed-related fatalities.
  • There has been an 18 percent increase in serious injuries.

Background Information

  • #SpeakUpMN: Encourage passengers to speak up if the driver is going too fast. Speaking up could save their own life.
  • There is no grace zone for speed. The posted speed limit is the law and the maximum speed drivers should be going.
  • Cost of a speeding violation will vary by county but it will typically cost a driver more than $110 with court fees for traveling 10 mph over the limit. Fines double for those traveling 20 mph over the limit and you can lose your license for six months for going 100 mph or more.

Traits of an aggressive driver:

  • Ignore turn and traffic signals.
  • Speed and tailgate.
  • Weave in and out of traffic.
  • Make improper lane changes frequently and abruptly.
  • Pass on the shoulder.
  • Make hand and facial gestures.
  • Scream, honk and flash lights.

If confronted with an aggressive driver:

  • Get out of their way; disengage.
  • Stay calm — reaching your destination safely is your goal.
  • Do not challenge them.
  • Avoid eye contact.
  • Ignore gestures and don’t return them.
  • Report aggressive driving (vehicle description, license number, location).

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