MN traffic deaths hit 14 year high

Traffic fatalities in Minnesota hit 497 in 2021 – the highest tally since 2007 when there were 510 deaths.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says speed was a factor in 33% of all fatalities last year.

Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson says too many motorists take the privilege of driving for granted.  “Until every motorist takes responsibility for their own actions, we’ll continue to see the carnage on our roads.”

The 109 unbelted fatalities in 2021 were 4 percent higher than 2020 (105 in 2020) and 49 percent higher than 2019 (73 in 2019).

A closer look at the numbers shows 72% of the victims were male…109 were not wearing seat-belts…and 124 deaths were alcohol related.

The tally also includes 67 motorcyclists…58 pedestrians…and nine bicyclists.

At last check there have been five road deaths already in 2022.