Minnesota Tops 300 Traffic Deaths Before Labor Day
Sep 03, 2021
This week, the StarTribune reported that for the first time in over a decade, Minnesota has reached the grim milestone of 300 traffic deaths before the Labor Day holiday. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, the state has not surpassed 300 fatalities this early in the year since 2007. The 300th fatality was recorded on Saturday, August 28.
In July 2021, the Star Tribune reported that the state had already reached 202 traffic deaths. At the time, this was an increase of 54 deaths compared to 2020.
This many preventable deaths on Minnesota roads before Labor Day is completely unacceptable… It’s not a homework assignment, you don’t get a do-over. We all need to drive smart to keep our family, friends, and neighbors alive.
Lisa Kons is Traffic Safety Program Manager for the Minnesota Safety Council. Interviewed in July 2021 by Star Tribune, Kons said “The data is startling and it needs to be talked about… It will take all of us coming together to change that. We need to get it under control. All of our lives depend on it.”
Almost three-fourths of all traffic victims were male, and most were between 21 and 30 years old. Speed has been a factor in about 40% of the fatalities in 2021.
The Star Tribune reports public safety officials in Minnesota are asking drivers to slow down ahead of the holiday weekend. Mike Hansen, Office of Traffic Safety Director, made a statement on Monday. “This many preventable deaths on Minnesota roads before Labor Day is completely unacceptable… It’s not a homework assignment, you don’t get a do-over. We all need to drive smart to keep our family, friends, and neighbors alive.”
If you’re one of the thousands in Minnesota who have been injured in speed-related car accidents, call ASK LLP for a free case review. Don’t pay for someone else’s negligence – talk to an attorney and find out your rights. Call 877-746-4275 for a consultation.
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