Several SE Minn agencies taking part in ‘Dying to get Home’ campaign Friday

(ABC 6 News) – Multiple law enforcement agencies in SE Minnesota are taking part in a campaign focused on speed patrols and dangerous driving behavior.

The campaign runs Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. by sheriff’s offices in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona Counties.

"A disproportionate number of fatal and serious injury crashes occur during this time of day as traffic volumes increase due to drive time commuters, students with after-school activities and people just wanting to ‘get home.’"

“Whether you plan to celebrate Labor Day weekend at the lake, at the cabin, or in the backyard, we want everyone to make it home safely. Traffic crashes and the resulting fatalities and injuries are preventable,” said Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson.

“Speeding is a significant problem statewide. Enforcing that law and all traffic laws for the primary contributors to traffic fatalities, including impaired driving, no seat belts and distraction, is critical to saving lives.”

This campaign is unique in that participating law enforcement agencies will jointly saturate the southeast region of the state at a specific time of day. The goal is to protect Minnesotans on the road by encouraging safe driving choices and stopping dangerous driving behaviors.