Minnesota 2016 Traffic Death Toll Reaches 200
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota reached a grim milestone over the weekend when the state recorded its 200th traffic fatality of the year on Saturday.
That put the state on a similar pace to last year when the number of traffic deaths exceeded 400 for the first time in five years. So far this year, 27 motorcyclists have been killed, along with 26 pedestrians, and four bicyclists. The number of fatalities involving motorcycle riders is down from a year ago, the number of bicyclists killed is steady, while pedestrian deaths are up over 60-percent.
“We are in the middle of the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “With seven weeks left until Labor Day, we need to double our efforts and speak up when we see a dangerous driver. Each one of us needs to commit to safe driving habits, and we need every community in our state to stand together and say ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to deaths on our roads.”
State officials note the majority of the tragedies that occur on Minnesota roads are preventable, and majority are the result of failing to use seatbelts, drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving.
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