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 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 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.

So far in 2012, at least 25 people have died of nonboating-related drownings statewide, including eight in the seven-county metro area. Last year, there were 13 statewide.