'100 deadliest days': Summer dangerous again on Minnesota roads

One hundred thirty-two people died in traffic accidents in Minnesota this summer. That’s more than half of all the traffic fatalities so far this year, and a few more deaths than last year.

The latest Department of Public Safety report breaks down the fatal accidents by age, sex and circumstances. Most of the deaths were male drivers, most often between the ages of 21 and 30.

The department also notes that at least 10 of the fatal crashes are known to be distraction-related, compared with nine in 2018. Eight victims were pedestrians, compared with seven in 2018.

The three months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads.

A few statistics did move in the right direction this year. Fewer motorcyclists were killed in accidents, and the department said alcohol was a factor in only 32 of the deaths -- a nearly 30 percent decrease since last year.

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