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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Police to increase Traffic Enforcements around High Schools
BY: Officer Brad Wick, Information Coordinator
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Increased Traffic Enforcement at High Schools
CASE NO.:
INCIDENT DATE: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION: Duluth High Schools
Traffic crashes are the number one killer of Minnesota teens. One out of every ten 16 or 17 year old will be involved in a traffic crash and have the greatest chance of sustaining an injury in the crash or being involved in a fatality. Teens were involved in 7.8% of all crashes but only account for 3% of licensed drivers. They also have the lowest seatbelt use rate of all motorists and are more likely to be distracted while driving as a result of passenger interaction, cellular phone use, text messaging, etc.
In an effort to reduce teen related crashes and injuries, the Duluth Police Department is stepping up enforcement around the four Duluth High Schools. The primary goal is to increase seat belt use for all vehicle occupants as well as compliance with graduated license requirements pertaining to number of passengers and cellular telephone use. Officers will be issuing citations or making arrests for identified violations.