43 die on Minnesota roads in July

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says July was the deadliest month on Minnesota roads so far this year, and last week was one of the three deadliest weeks of 2011.

Since Aug. 1, 13 people have died on state roads. The deadliest week so far this year was July 4 to July 10, when 21 people died.

There were 43 deaths in July. To date, there have been 194 traffic deaths in Minnesota. That's down from the 229 deaths at this time in 2010.

State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske says it's not surprising to see an increase in deaths when seat belts aren't worn, when drivers speed and when they don't pay attention.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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