DPS: Spike in vehicle deaths to start 2012

As of last week, nearly 70 people have died on Minnesota roads through the first 11 weeks of the year. That's up more than 45 percent from the same period last year. The Department of Public Safety says a trend of poor seatbelt use and excessive speeds have both led to more serious crashes.

Author:
BMTN Staff
Updated:
Mar 8, 2018
Original:
Mar 25, 2012

As of last week, nearly 70 people have died on Minnesota roads through the first 11 weeks of the year. That's up more than 45 percent from the same period last year. The Department of Public Safety says a trend of poor seatbelt use and excessive speeds have both led to more serious crashes.

ambulance

The crash occurred on Highway 169 early Sunday morning.

minneapolis police

The shooting was reported around 2:20 a.m.

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The two men died after a hail of bullets struck a vehicle.

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The noise was investigated by police, but no source could be determined.

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Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are on the rise again as new COVID variants emerge.

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The crash occurred when the driver fled police during an attempted traffic stop in Coon Rapids.

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The kindergartner's father was trying to get full custody of his son.

"It is horrifying and difficult to process a tragedy of this magnitude, especially in our close-knit community," the superintendent wrote.

Minneapolis police

The shooting occurred on the 800 block of Elwood Avenue North at around 9:15 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety released preliminary figures that show 51 people died in fires across the state last year, 12 more than in 2010. Minnesota's fire death rate is still far below the national average.

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.

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.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says eight of the first 10 people killed in traffic accidents so far this year were not wearing their seat belts. The department also reports that only 20 percent of the 23 people killed in December were buckled-up. Between 2008-2010, about 45 percent of occupants killed were properly using their seat belts.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists that DWI patrols will be on the lookout for Halloween partiers this weekend. To get its point across, the DPS has created radio spots and a Public Service Announcement that features real law enforcement in-car camera video of costumed DWI offenders.

The number of motorcycle deaths so far this year has already exceeded the death total from last year and has Minnesota Department of Public Safety calling for more awareness and training. The most recent fatality happened when a motorcyclist rear-ended a tractor north of Sauk Rapids Wednesday night.

The Office of Traffic Safety reports four of the nine fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday, between 2006 and 2010, were alcohol-related. During that same period, more than 1200 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated.

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