Minn. traffic deaths approach a record for January
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State officials said Monday the number of fatalities on Minnesota roads last month was more than double the death toll from the same period the year before.
Preliminary reports indicate that 25 people were killed in the first month of the year, compared with 9 traffic fatalities in January 2015.
"Seeing this come in this high in 2016 is really concerning to us," said Donna Berger, the head of the Office of Traffic Safety. "We want Minnesotans to really focus on the task of driving, to make that commitment when they get behind the wheel to put those distractions away."
Officials said the most recent fatality number already exceeds the 5-year average of 19. This year's number is also expected to increase as crash reports are finalized, possibly topping the most recent high mark of 28, in 2014.
Berger says it's too soon to know what's behind the spike this year. But she adds fatalities in the past were linked to excessive speed, driving while impaired or distractions.
"Half of the people that lose their lives on Minnesota roads are still not wearing their seat belt," Berger added.
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