Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

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The pandemic seems to have changed the way we drive — and not for the better. 

The number of miles people drove in the U.S. 

 last spring at the outset of the pandemic when lockdowns across the country kept many people home. Some motorists took advantage of open roads and drove faster. Speeding 

 and high speeds continued through the start of this year. 

The number of drivers going 100 miles per hour or more is “out of control,” according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. State troopers issued twice the number of tickets to people driving 100 miles per hour or faster in 2020 as in 2019. 

Reckless driving has led to more fatal crashes. At least 

 in speed-related accidents, the highest number reported since 2008. Preliminary reports show 35 people lost their lives so far this year in car crashes and speed contributed to at least of those 13 fatalities, compared to nine at this point last year. 

This month, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety launched a statewide crackdown on speeding drivers and a public awareness campaign.

Host Angela Davis spoke with the director of traffic safety and a longtime driving instructor about the crackdown and about how to stay safe while driving. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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Host Angela Davis talked to the Minnesota state traffic safety director and a driving instructor about why some people are driving so fast and how to make our roads safer. 

MPR News with Angela Davis - Host Angela Davis talks to MN director of traffic safety Mike Hanson and driving instructor Jennifer Sletten about a crackdown on increased speeding during the pandemic and how to make roads safer. 

What’s up with all the speeding and reckless drivers?

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