No fatal crashes over Fouth of July in Minnesota

Preliminary reports indicate no fatal crashes for the Fourth of July holiday. The Fourth of July is typically state’s deadliest day of the year on the road, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. In the last three years, Independence Day racked up 15 traffic deaths, topping May 22 (13), May 23 (11) and July 10 (11) for the deadliest 24-hour period.

Not all agencies have completed their reports for the Fourth of July travel period (6p.m. Tuesday – 6 a.m. Thursday).

DPS officials are stressing that motorists buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and plan ahead for a sober ride for the holiday.

There have been 147 traffic deaths to date in 2012, compared to 136 at this time in 2011.

Fourth of July travel periods, 2009–2011:

• 21 deaths of which 14 were a result of an alcohol-impaired crash.

• 1,536 DWI arrests.

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