Minnesota records 100th traffic death of 2021
Minnesota recorded its 100th traffic death of the year on Wednesday, marking the earliest point in a year that the total has hit triple-digits since at least 2015. That's even as many people continue to drive less amid the ongoing pandemic.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, 20 more people have died on the roads than at the same point last year. Last year the state didn't see it's 100th traffic death until May 26.
State Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson said a large percentage of this year's traffic deaths are due to people driving too fast. Speeding and alcohol were a factor in 60 percent of the deaths.
Preliminary reports show 394 people died on Minnesota roads in 2020, up from 364 in 2019. The fatalities last year include 82 motorists, 11 pedestrians, two bicyclists and two motorcyclists.
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.
Fatalities caused by excessive speed have nearly doubled compared to this time last year, and more people have died because they weren’t wearing seatbelts.
Hanson said there've been continued rumors that police aren't enforcing speed limits because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Drivers [are] being stopped for really egregious violations. [They are] going more than 100 miles an hour,” Hanson said. “They were flabbergasted that they were actually getting stopped because most of them believed that law enforcement was not engaged in traffic enforcement at all, which was completely incorrect.
As Minnesota nears its busiest road season, Hanson said it’s time for drivers to rediscover their old, safe driving habits. He added that law enforcement will step up efforts to crack down on speeding drivers in the coming months.