More than 40 motorcycle riders have lost their lives on Minnesota roads so far this year, compared to 29 at this time last year. The Department of Public Safety says at least 11 motorcyclists died in August -- the deadliest month of the year. Officials note ridership is at record levels because of the cost of fuel.

KARE 11 reports 17 motorcycle riders have died on Minnesota roads so far this year. That's compared to 10 this time last year. The Department of Public Safety hopes a safety campaign reminds motorists to "look twice" for motorcyclists.

Twenty-three pedestrians have been killed so far by vehicles in 2012, making it the deadliest year in the last five, the Star Tribune reports. Among the latest victims was Cléo Thiberge, a 19-year-old college student from France who had just arrived in the Twin Cities when she was struck by a vehicle in St. Paul.

A trio of urban county sheriffs are warning of a sharp increase in the number of heroin-related deaths. The sheriffs from Hennepin, Anoka and Ramsey counties are planning to speak to reporters about the problem Thursday.

Safety officials say there are now more than 400,000 people licensed to ride in Minnesota, and they're spreading information about training programs in hopes of cutting back on the number of fatalities. The Public Safety Department says motorcyclists make up about one in 10 deaths on the roads every year.

A 17-year-old boy from Sauk Rapids was charged Tuesday in connection to the death of Mankato state student Colton Gleason. The St. Cloud Times reports Jesse Jean Smithers is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault.