Month: July 2016

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Feeling the Need for Speed? The Carver County Sheriff’s Department will be Watching! Extra Enforcement on Carver County Roads July 8 – 22

Extra Enforcement on Carver County Roads July 8 – 22

Carver County, MN – Seventy-eight people. That’s more than an entire regular season NFL roster; more people than can fill up a passenger bus, and roughly the size of three elementary school classes. (Read more…)
Losing these people to tragedy would make headlines. In reality, speed played a role in crashes that killed that many people on Minnesota roads in 2015.
To keep motorists safe this summer, Carver County Sheriff’s deputies are conducting increased patrols July 8 – 22, as part of a statewide extra speed enforcement effort. The enforcement and education effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
“How many times have you driven in a neighborhood, only to slam on your brakes for a child running out to chase a ball?” said Sheriff Jim Olson. “What if you were driving 10 miles over the speed limit and that extra speed kept you from stopping in time? Speeding is not worth it! Drive the speed limit — it could prevent a tragedy.”

Speed Kills
Speed is a leading factor in crashes, contributing to one out of every five fatalities on Minnesota roads. The summer months are especially troublesome with an average of 23 speed-related deaths a year during the 100 deadliest days (Memorial Day – Labor Day) on Minnesota roads.

speed stats

While there is cause for concern, drivers seem to be getting the message that speed kills. Speed-related fatal crashes have decreased by 48 percent in the last 10 years.

Consequences of Speeding

  • Greater potential for loss of vehicle control.
  • Increased stopping distance.
  • Less time for driver response for crash avoidance.
  •  Increased crash severity leading to more severe injuries and death.

Three Seconds Is the Safe Following Distance

  •  Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles.
  •  It takes more than the length of a football field to stop when traveling at 60 miles per hour.

Look Twice for Motorcyclists

Another safety concern in July is the record-high number of motorcyclists on the road. A major factor in rider deaths is unsafe speeds. More than half of all motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle events in which the rider loses control of the bike and runs off the road or crashes.

“Motorcyclists and motorists need to take safety into their own hands and travel at safe speeds. We urge motorists to always look twice for riders since motorcycles are smaller and their speed and distance are more difficult to judge,” says Sheriff Jim Olson.

 
Speeding Costs

  • The most common traffic-law violation is speeding, outnumbering all other traffic violations combined. (AAA)
  • In Carver County, an average speeding citation for 10 mph over the limit is $130.00. Motorists stopped at 20 mph over the speed limit face double the fine, and those ticketed traveling more than 100 mph can lose their license for six months.
  • For every 5 mph above 50 mph, it’s like paying an additional 19 cents per gallon. (Department of Energy)

Speeding to get Nowhere Fast
Speeding does not help you get to your destination significantly faster. According to AAA, travel time for a 30-mile trip:

  • 55 miles per hour = 32.7 minutes.
  • 65 miles an hour = 27.7 minutes (5 minutes saved).
  • 75 miles per hour = 24 minutes (8 minutes saved).

Extra speed enforcement and education efforts are part of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes – education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma response.

 
If you need assistance from police, fire or medical personnel call 9-1-1. Anyone with information related to this incident or any crime is asked to contact the Carver County Sheriff’s Office at 952-361-1212. After hours call 952-361-1231. To remain anonymous you may leave a message on the tip line at 952-361-1224. You may also use the tip form on the Sheriff’s Office web site at http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/county-sheriff/crime-prevention/crime-tips

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The Carver County Sheriff’s Office would like to Remind Everyone to Respectfully Share the Trails

Now that summer is here, many people are enjoying the parks and trails that Carver County has to offer. Sheriff Olson would like to remind everyone to follow the rules and be respectful of all users of our many trails.

(Read more…)

LeveeTrailTrail User Guidelines:

  • Walk and ride on the right side of the trail.
  •  If walking in a group, move over so that others can use the trail.
  • Pass on the left with an audible warning such as politely announcing “passing on your left”.
  • Obey all traffic signs and use caution at intersections.
  • Be aware, watch for other pedestrians, traffic, and wildlife.
  • Be aware of your speed on bicycles and slow down when approaching and passing other users.
  • Wear helmets, reflectors, and protective gear when using the trails.
  • Respect private property and stay on the trail.
  • Trails are for non-motorized traffic only.
  •  Keep all dogs on their leashes and in your control. Please clean up after your dog!
  •  Help maintain a clean trail system by disposing of your trash in the proper receptacle and feel free to pick up any debris you encounter while using the trail.
  • Respect all who use the trails.

 

For more information please go to the following website: www.co.carver.mn.us/parks