Minnesota Traffic Death Toll Tops 300 Fastest Since 2007

The number of traffic deaths in Minnesota reached 300 this year on the earliest date since 2007.

The state Department of Public Safety reported the 300th fatal crash on August 28th – compared to 240 on the same day in 2020.

The preliminary figures show 103 of the 303 traffic fatalities were speed-related crashes, 74 were alcohol-related and distracted driving is blamed for eight deaths. Sixty-four of the victims were not buckled up.

State Traffic Safety director Mike Hanson said Minnesotans had been making progress changing their driving behaviors, but recently motorists are falling into bad habits, ignoring the law, and it’s costing