Minnesota Traffic Deaths Down In 2014; Downward Trend Continues 18 Year Trend

Minnesota drivers should be proud!  In 2014, they were the safest they've been since World War II. While any traffic fatality is one too many, the numbers from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show that we're getting safer on our roadways.

Last year marked continued progress in improving traffic safety on Minnesota roads as preliminary data reveal traffic deaths falling to a near record low. According to the latest preliminary numbers from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety, 356 people lost their lives in 2014 crashes.   DPS projects a final number of 370 road fatalities after final statistics are evaluated.  This would be the second lowest number since 1944 when 356 people lost their lives.   There was a significant decline in pedestrian deaths in 2014. After peaking at 71 deaths in 1986, pedestrian fatalities dropped to 17 according to preliminary numbers — the lowest number from 1984 – 2014.

Again, while these numbers are encouraging, officials remind drivers that we still have ways to go.  The end of 2014 was a difficult time for a number of Minnesota families with spikes in the number of fatalities in the months of July, August, and September.

To learn more about the Toward Zero Deaths initiative, click here.