First 50 of the 100 most-traveled days highlight ongoing traffic safety crisis – Austin Daily Herald – The pink report news

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According to preliminary reports, 76 people died on the streets of Minnesota during the first 50 of the 100 busiest days of the year (Memorial Day-Labor Day), according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Department. The 76 traffic fatalities in the first 50 days are the most since 2017.

The first number of road deaths in the summer show an ongoing road safety crisis. Preliminary figures from the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety show 229 deaths on the streets of Minnesota in 2021, compared to 169 at that time last year.

“I have no words to describe what is happening on our roads right now,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Road Safety Bureau. “The lack of responsibility that some take behind the wheel is causing an elusive death toll on our roads. It is time for all of us to look in the mirror. It is time we all took responsibility for what we do. It is time we all drive smart, drive slower, be friendly on the road and help everyone get home safely at the end of the day. “

Law enforcement agencies across the state are now focused on slowing down speeding motorists with additional patrols through July 31st. The extra patrols follow a fatal 2020, with speed-related deaths (122) the most since 2008 (125).

As of July 8, the Minnesota State Patrol has cited 44,967 motorists for speeding violations, including 646 tickets issued for speeds of 100 mph or more.

According to DPS-OTS statistics, speed contributes to about one in five accidents that result in death or serious injury in Minnesota. Between 2015 and 2019, an average of 89 deaths and 350 serious injuries per year resulted from speeding.

Source: https://www.austindailyherald.com/2021/07/first-50-of-the-100-most-traveled-days-highlight-ongoing-traffic-safety-crisis/

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