State sees fewer traffic deaths in 2011

Last year, Minnesota recorded the fewest number of traffic deaths since 1944, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported. With 368 deaths, 2011 is the fourth consecutive year the motorist fatality rate has dropped.

In addition, the state’s fatality rate hit a record low, with less than one person (.65) killed for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

“Minnesota motorists have done a lot to improve road safety by practicing safe driving behaviors, but there are still far too many families and communities that have been torn apart by these preventable tragedies,” DPS Commissioner Mona Dohman said.

In addition to safer driving habits, fewer drunken drivers and the state legislation — like the texting ban and primary seat belt law — contributed to the drop in the number of deaths. Another contributing factor, DPS officials said, is the state’s Toward Zero Deaths program, which allows for extra enforcement for things like seat belt use, speeding and impaired driving.

During the state’s most recent seat belt enforcement campaign, nearly 13,000 Minnesota motorists were cited for not wearing their seat belts in a two-week period.

“Buckling up is the simplest, most effective precaution motorists have to stay safe on the road,” said Donna Berger, director of the DPS Office of Traffic Safety.

Tags: crime and courts, news, minnesota