102 MPH in a 70? Another High-Speed Stop Raises Eyebrows in North Dakota

Every now and then, another speeding story pops up that makes you shake your head a little. Recently, another reminder surfaced about just how fast some drivers are pushing things on the highways of North Dakota.

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102 MPH on Highway 83 Near Baldwin Serves as Reminder to Slow Down on North Dakota Roads

According to reports from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a driver was clocked traveling 102 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone on U.S. Highway 83 near Baldwin on Wednesday, March 11.

Now, let’s put that into perspective for a moment. Driving 102 mph means you’re covering a football field’s length in just a couple of seconds. At that speed, reaction time drops dramatically, and even a small mistake—by you or another driver—can turn into a dangerous situation very quickly.

Highways like U.S. Highway 83 are busy corridors for farmers, truck drivers, commuters, and travelers moving through the region. You’ll often find a mix of vehicles sharing the road, from heavy semis hauling freight to pickups pulling trailers. That mix makes it even more important to keep speeds reasonable.

Read More: When Fast Becomes Too Fast: North Dakota Driver Pushed the Limit

Is Going That Fast Really Worth It

Law enforcement officers say excessive speed remains one of the leading contributing factors in serious crashes in North Dakota. When speeds climb past the triple-digit mark, the ability to safely control a vehicle becomes much more difficult, especially if road conditions change or traffic appears unexpectedly.

It’s also worth remembering that our wide-open highways can sometimes create a false sense of security. Long stretches of road and lighter traffic might make it feel like it’s safe to push the speedometer a little higher. But unexpected obstacles—like wildlife, farm equipment, or vehicles entering from rural roads—can appear at any time.

The bottom line is pretty simple: there’s just no reason to be driving that fast.

Saving a few minutes on a trip isn’t worth the added risk to yourself, your passengers, or the other people sharing the road. Whether you’re heading to work, hauling equipment, or simply traveling across the state, arriving safely is always the goal.

As we move through another busy travel season across western North Dakota, it’s a good reminder for all drivers to keep their speed in check and make smart choices behind the wheel. Slowing down just a little can make a big difference for everyone on the road.