Two deaths on Minn. roads over holiday weekend

Traffic fatalities so far this holiday weekend in Minnesota are low. Two deaths have been recorded so far on state roadways.

State Patrol Captain Matt Langer says the deaths are tragic, but are much lower than in past years. Langer says the number of drunk drivers arrested, by contrast, is about average.

"Notably we say 52 arrests for impaired driving by state troopers this weekend which is about what we'd expect to see on a holiday weekend, but notably, both fatal crashes did not involve alcohol," Langer said. T"hat's a good sign."

Langer says during the past three years, a total of 18 people have been killed in traffic accidents over the 4th of July. He says the drive home tonight for people returning from the holiday weekend still poses a big risk for crashes and fatalities.

Langer says increased traffic enforcement is taking place across Minnesota, especially on the deadliest roads in thirteen Minnesota counties which includes the Twin Cities.