Minnesota traffic deaths slightly higher in 2007

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The state’s annual summary of traffic crashes, Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2007, reports 510 people were killed on state roads in 2007, up from 494 in 2006.

Contributing to the 3.5 percent death increase was the 35W bridge collapse – 12 of the 13 bridge fatalities were classified as traffic deaths. Crash Facts is online at www.dps.state.mn.us/ots, click on “Crash Data and Reports.”

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) compiles the report, which details crashes by vehicle type, contributing factors, driver age and gender, and occurrence of crashes by county, as well as cities with populations of 2,500 or more.

Crash Facts 2007 reports more than 81,000 crashes, 510 deaths, and nearly 36,000 injuries. The estimated economic impact of these incidents is more than $1.65 billion, which includes such cost factors as wage and productivity losses, medical and emergency expenses, and employer’s uninsured costs.

The fatalities reflect the deaths of motorists (399), motorcyclists (61), pedestrians (33), bicyclists (4), ATV riders (4), snowmobilers (3), occupants driving/riding farm equipment (3), and other (3).

Crash Facts reports more than 57 billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on state roads last year. The fatality rate per 100 million VMT is less than one person (0.89) – among the lowest in the nation – and down from a rate of 5.52 in 1966. There are 3.9 million licensed drivers and 4.8 million registered vehicles in Minnesota.

Of the 399 vehicle occupants killed, 195 (49 percent) were not wearing seat belts. During nighttime hours, (9 p.m. to 3 a.m.), only 28 of the 91 motorists killed were belted. Of impaired drivers killed, nearly 75 percent were unbuckled. There were 190 alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2007, up from the all-time low of 166 in 2006. More than 38,600 motorists were arrested for DWI last year.

The estimated economic cost of impaired crashes, deaths and injuries is more than $314 million.

Tags: minnesota, traffic, deaths, 2007