The number traffic related deaths in 2010 is projected to match 2009, making it the lowest in 66 years. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety projects the number of traffic related deaths last year to be 420. Department of Public Safety commissioner Michael Campion says “We’ve seen a trend of fewer road deaths in recent years.” Campion goes on to say “We are maintaining a low death count and we have cut down annual road deaths by more than 200 since just eight years ago.” Campion cites this trend to traffic safety legislation such as the primary seat belt law, enhanced enforcement and education efforts, effective engineering improvements, efficient emergency trauma response and safer vehicles.
The state-wide total DWI arrests in 2010 were 26,810. That’s down more than 6,000 from 2009. Teen deaths were up however… there were thirty-seven in 2010, compared with thirty-five in 2009.