Traffic deaths rise on Minnesota roads

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According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety preliminary figures for 2012 show 378 deaths

on the state’s roads last year. The number is up from 368 in 2011, and just as tragic, but still relatively low, officials say.

“Despite the increase, 2012 will be the second safest year (behind 2011) since 1944 (356 deaths),” said Nathan Bowie, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.

Final totals are expected to be around 390, said Bowie, or six percent higher than last year. Contributing factors are expected to be drunken driving,

non-use of seat belts, speeding and distracted driving.

State of Minnesota and Lake County Traffic Deaths 2007-2011

State of MN Lake County

DWIs 166,962 302

Crashes 380,273 559

All Deaths 2,165 13

Alcohol related

Deaths 761 7

Motor Vehicle

Occupant

Deaths 1,602 12

Alcohol related

Motor Vehicle

Occupant

Deaths 558 7

Unbelted Motor

Vehicle Occupant

Deaths 721 5

Alcohol related

Unbelted Motor

Vehicle Occupant

Deaths 349 4

Motorcycle

deaths 273 1

Alcohol related

Motorcycle

deaths 106 0

Tags: news, traffic, accidents