Help reduce deaths and injuries on our roads

  • News
  • Oct 21, 2021
Plan your route in advance. Speed counts. Slow down.

(Photo courtesy: MN DPS)

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is calling for all motorists to drive smart to help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. According to DPS, the 384 traffic fatalities in 2021 to date is a 23% increase over this time last year. At the current pace, Minnesota could record around 475 traffic fatalities this year, the most since 2007 (510).

Olmsted County is encouraging the community to do its part to keep everyone safe on Minnesota roads. This includes wearing your seatbelt, following the assigned speed limits, and not driving distracted or under the influence. 

Four fatal crashes have been reported in Olmsted County in 2021 to date. Hennepin County, Minnesota has reported the most fatal crashes in 2021 to date with 57.

According to DPS, speed is the largest factor in fatal crashes with 124 speed-related deaths through October 14, 2021. This is a 27% increase from this time last year and a 107% increase from this time in 2019.          

For more information on driving smart and preventing tragedies, please visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.