The tragedy involving a 55-year-old motorcyclist and U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow should be a sobering reminder for all of us to watch our speed while on the road.

Police have said Janklow, a 63-year-old congressman from South Dakota, ran a stop sign and collided with Randy Scott, a Hardwick, Minn. resident. Janklow, now charged with second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding and failure to stop, faces up to 10 years in prison and $11,000 in fines.

Janklow has expressed remorse over his actions and it wouldn’t surprise us if he declines to return to Washington, D.C., as he clearly appears shaken since the accident. The police say the congressman was driving faster than 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.

What’s troubling, however, is Janklow’s past disregard for obeying speed limits. Records have shown that Janklow received a dozen speeding tickets in a five-year span in the early 1990s. Also, Janklow has openly admitted that he speeds, saying “Bill Janklow speeds when he drives — shouldn’t, but he does.”

Unfortunately, it may take a tragedy like this for Janklow to see the dangers of not obeying the rules of the road.

We hope other motorists learn a lesson from this tragedy so it doesn’t repeat itself.