Traffic deaths total more than 200 this year

More than 200 people have died in traffic deaths in Minnesota so far this year, Minnesota Department of Public Safety officials said Monday.

Officials say that figure includes five people who died over the weekend in car crashes across Minnesota. At this time last year, only 175 traffic deaths were reported.

The number of deaths on Minnesota roads is hard to take for Earl Conley, whose 20-year-old son, Austin, died in a hit-and-run accident last October.

"I would like to express my great frustration with the fact that this continues to happen in the state of Minnesota," Conley said. "This needs to stop."

Public Safety officials say drivers can prevent accidents by wearing seatbelts, driving the speed limit, not drinking and driving, and paying close attention to road signs.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.