ST. PAUL – Last month was one of the safest on Minnesota roads since 1984, when the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety started keeping statistics electronically. According to the latest preliminary numbers, nine people lost their lives in January 2015 crashes.
Lowest Monthly Totals To Date (1984-2015)
- January 2015 – 9 (Preliminary as of today)
- January 2011 – 15
- January 2013 – 16
- January 1991 – 16
“While it is important to highlight the decline in traffic deaths across Minnesota, we must not forget that statistics equal real people and at least nine families said good-bye to loved ones in January,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director.
Gone Too Soon – January 2015 Fatalities Include
- A 19-year-old son, brother and uncle from Brookston.
- An Army veteran from McGrath
- A 63-year-old man who died after a driver apparently ran a stoplight.
- A husband and father from Hugo.
“The vast majority of crashes are preventable,” said Lt. Tiffani Nielson, Minnesota State Patrol. “We encourage all motorists to drive to the conditions of the road, wear your seat belt, pay attention and never drink and drive.”
Road Fatality Contributing Factors in Minnesota
- Speed: one in five deaths.
- Drunk Driving: one in five deaths.
- Distracted Driving: one in four fatalities.
- Lack of seat belt use accounts for about half of the motorists killed.
Toward Zero Deaths
The Toward Zero Deaths program has played a significant role in saving lives and reducing serious injuries on Minnesota roads. Education, enforcement, engineering and emergency medical services have helped reduce fatalities by nearly 41 percent since 2003.
2003 – 2013 Minnesota traffic fatalities
| 387 |
395 |
368 |
411 |
421 |
455 |
510 |
494 |
559 |
567 |
655 |
|---|
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
DPS comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Office of Traffic Safety
OTS designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program and for the child seats for needy families program.
###
