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 new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report released this week says the percentage of pedestrians being killed in traffic accidents is on the rise, both nationally and in Minnesota. In 2011 -- the most recent period of data available -- pedestrian deaths accounted for almost 11 percent of the 368 traffic-related deaths in Minnesota.

Michael Struck, 39, was swept away by floodwaters last March while clearing debris from culverts on Highway 169 near Cleveland, Minnesota. An investigation found that the Minnesota Department of Transportation failed to ensure that the safety equipment Struck was using was positioned correctly.

Minnesota is on pace for one of the safest years for pedestrians in a decade. Last year, October marked the deadliest month for pedestrians with seven deaths. Officials are hoping for a safer fall in 2011.