Cook County News Herald

Minnesota traffic deaths decline




At least 410 people were killed on Minnesota roads in 2010, according to preliminary records from the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. DPS projects the final 2010 count to close around the 420 mark — on par with 2009’s total of 421, the lowest number of annual deaths since 1944.

Officials say the 2010 figure will increase during the next few months as additional fatal crash reports are submitted to DPS. Final crash numbers will be announced early this summer.

“We’ve seen a positive trendline of fewer road deaths in recent years that points to the success of legislation and proactive traffic safety campaigns,” says DPS Commissioner Michael Campion. “While it appears 2010 won’t show a big reduction in deaths, we are maintaining a low death count and have cut down our annual road deaths by more than 200 since just eight years ago — that is very significant.”

Campion cites these factors for the lower death trend: traffic safety legislation (such as primary seat belt law); enhanced enforcement coupled with education efforts; effective MnDOT, county and local engineering improvements; efficient emergency trauma response; as well as safer vehicles.

The preliminary 410 fatality count includes motorists (313), motorcyclists (41); pedestrians (39 — slightly down from the 41 in 2009); bicyclists (nine — even with 2009); ATV riders (four); and farm equipment operators (two).



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