MINNESOTA REACHES 100 TRAFFIC DEATHS EARLIER IN 2021 THAN ANY OF THE LAST SIX YEARS

Preliminary figures from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety show 102 people have died on Minnesota roads since Jan. 1, compared to 82 last year at this time. The state reported its 100th traffic death (preliminary) on April 21. This is the earliest date reaching the preliminary figure of 100 traffic fatalities in the last six years.

Reaching 100 Traffic Fatalities (Preliminary)

The First 100 Traffic Fatalities Include:

• 82 motor vehicle occupants compared with 60 reported this time last year.
• 2 motorcyclists compared with 3 reported this time last year.
• 11 pedestrians compared with 13 reported this time last year.
• 2 bicyclists compared with 2 reported this time last year.
• 22 deaths involving crashes with heavy vehicle trucks.
• 51 single-vehicle crashes.
• 49 multi-vehicle crashes.

Bad Choices. Tragic Results.

For the first 100 traffic fatalities, preliminary information shows:

• 21 alcohol-related deaths (21 percent) compared with 31 this time last year (38 percent).
• 2 distracted-related deaths (2 percent) compared with 5 this time last year (6 percent).
• 40 speed-related deaths (40 percent) compared with 22 this time last year (27 percent).
• 31 unbelted motorist deaths (38 percent) compared with 21 this time last year (35 percent).

“Excessive speed continues to take a horrific and preventable toll on our roads,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Alcohol, distraction, and no seat belts also continue to contribute to the loss of life in 2021. It doesn’t have to be this way, and every Minnesotan has the power to stop the heartache and make choices that keep everyone alive. Drive smart by slowing down, paying attention, planning a sober ride and buckling up.”

Fatality Breakdown

Out of the first 100 fatalities on Minnesota roads,70 percent were male.

Minnesota Traffic Fatalities