Annual traffic deaths fall below 400 for the first time since 1944

Traffic crashes in Minnesota claimed the lives of 349 people in 2011, according to preliminary reports from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. The figure represents a 38 percent reduction in deaths since 2001, and a fourth consecutive annual decline in fatalities.

DPS projects the final total, available in early summer as additional crash reports are submitted, to be around 11 percent below the 2010 figure (411) and the lowest since 1944 (356).

In Douglas County, there were 618 crashes reported, resulting in 10 serious injuries and one death.

That’s the fewest number of crashes and fatalities in at least six years. Here are the numbers for Douglas County:

2006 – 689 crashes, 8 deaths.

2007 – 663 crashes, 9 deaths.

2008 – 757 crashes, 9 deaths.

2009 – 650 crashes, 4 deaths.

2010 – 625 crashes, 4 deaths.

2011 – 618 crashes, 1 death.

“The continuing reduction of preventable traffic deaths is a true Minnesota success story that every motorist has supported and played a critical role in achieving,” said Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “This progress demonstrates that the epidemic of hundreds of tragedies does not have to be our annual reality.”

DPS officials note positive driver behavior is propelling the progress. Seat belt compliance is at a record high 93 percent while alcohol-related fatal and injury crashes and DWI arrests continue to drop.

Tags: local news, traffic deaths, news