The number of people killed in Minnesota traffic crashes in 2010 has declined for the third year in a row.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says there were 411 traffic deaths in 2010, the lowest since 1944, when 356 motorists were killed.

Of the 411 people who died last year, 305 were motorists, 45 were motorcyclists and 36 were pedestrians. Other deaths involved mopeds, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobilers.

About half of the motorists who were killed were wearing seat belts. A report released by the DPS said one-fourth of the 305 motorists were ejected or partially ejected from the vehicles in which they were riding. Of the ejected fatalities, 92 percent were not wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol was involved in 131 of the fatalities.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said programs like the Toward Zero Deaths campaign could be playing a part in the declining number of deaths.

“It’s the more you educate the citizens. Not driving impaired, not driving while texting, not driving while tired — all these things contribute to major accidents,” Krueger said. “Toward Zero Deaths educates citizens so they do not become a statistic.”

Krueger said seat belt use is an important component to preventing deaths, especially when so many deaths have been caused by motorists getting ejected. With alcohol-related fatalities steadily decreasing, Krueger said more people may be planning for a designated driver.

“A major component in that is the mandatory seat belt law and the officers enforcing it on a daily basis,” he said. “The officers are very proactive in Austin with DUI arrests, but citizens are definitely getting educated to have a sober driver.”

According to DPS officials, 125 road deaths have been reported in 2011, compared to 156 deaths at this time in 2010.