Minnesota is off to a deadly first half of summer for traffic fatalities.
According to a blog post from the Office of Traffic Safety, 46 people died in crashes on Minnesota roads in the first 25 days of what officials call “the 100 deadliest days” between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.
This summer is off to one of the deadliest starts on roads in more than 10 years, with fatal crash factors indicating speed, lack of seat belt use, impairment and distraction.
“You might be a good driver, but that won’t stop the driver in the next car over from weaving into your lane or cutting you off,” Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank said. “Following traffic laws won’t just save you from a citation — it could save your life.”
The OTS launched a speeding extra enforcement and awareness campaign throughout the month of July.
“If we all work together, we can have a safe and tragedy-free summer, and go home with nothing but a sunburn and great memories,” OTS Director Mike Hanson said.
In 2022, 129 people died in speed-related crashes.
