Minnesota surpasses 200 traffic deaths at earliest point since 2009

More than 200 people have died on Minnesota roads this year, which is the earliest that’s happened in a year in over a decade.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says it has recorded 202 preliminary deaths since Jan. 1, 2021, compared to 148 at this time last year. It’s the earliest the state has reached 200 traffic deaths since 2009. Minnesota surpassed 100 traffic deaths in April, which was the earliest point to surpass that milestone in six years.

According to DPS, 40% of the deaths have been speed-related, 32% were unbelted motorists, 22% alcohol-related and 2% distraction-related.

"Exactly halfway through 2021, and I’m at a loss for words. What is it going to take for drivers to understand the importance of driving smart?" Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson asked. "Two hundred traffic fatalities by July 1 is just unacceptable. You’re at much greater risk of planning a funeral now than in the past because of what’s happening on our roads. We all need to drive smart to help protect each other while out on the roads."

DPS said it will coordinate extra speed patrols during the month of July.