ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety released preliminary figures for 2021 traffic fatalities; 497 was the highest number since 2007 when there were 510. In previous years, Minnesota had averaged 378 traffic fatalities a year.
Speed was the most significant contributing factor in fatal crashes in 2021—a 33% increase, or 162 speed-related deaths, from 2020. Minnesota reported the first traffic fatality of 2022 on New Year’s Day when a 51- year-old unbelted man was killed in Goodhue County. Alcohol and driving too fast for the conditions are suspected of contributing to the crash.
Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director, urges, “until every motorist takes responsibility for their own actions, we’ll continue to see the carnage on our roads. Let’s make sure 2022 isn’t as heartbreaking for Minnesotans.” Prevent tragedy by buckling up, paying attention, watching your speed, driving sober, and driving smart.
A slow scroll of names can be found at dps.mn.gov serving as a somber reminder of friends and family who will never return home to their loved ones.
