Many Minnesotans are getting ready to head out of town over the Memorial Day weekend and the State Patrol is reminding drivers to be extra cautious on the roads this weekend.

Sgt. Troy Christianson
Sgt. Troy Christianson
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During his weekly "Ask the Trooper" address, Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol was asked about 'quotas'. Are cops required to write a certain amount of tickets each month and is that why it seems like you see so many more out on the highways and streets toward the end of the month? The answer is no.

Sgt. Troy says that quotas are prohibited in Minnesota. State statute 169.985 says, “A law enforcement agency may not order, mandate, require, or suggest to a peace officer a quota for the issuance of traffic citations, including administrative citations authorized under section 169.999, on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.”

Through education and enforcement, Christianson says the Minnesota State Patrol strives to reduce fatalities and injuries on our roads. Two leading contributors that factor in fatal crashes are unsafe speed and not wearing a seat belt.

Speeding is not an innocent crime — it puts every motorist at risk on the road:

  • Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Slower response time to avoid crashes
  • Increased crash severity — the faster the speed, the more violent the crash

Lack of seat belt use also plays a significant role in contributing to driver and passenger deaths. About half of the motorists killed in Minnesota are not buckled up.

To keep you and your loved ones safe: Drive the speed limit, buckle up, pay attention, and never drink and drive.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Hopefully everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend.

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