Over 150 killed on Minn. roads during 100 most-traveled days

Published 6:50 am Sunday, September 13, 2020

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Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, known as the 100 most-traveled days on Minnesota roads, again proved to be a tragic time in 2020.

According to the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) preliminary figures, there were 152 deaths this summer. That represents 60 percent of all traffic fatalities so far in 2020.

There were 136 deaths last summer.

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During the Labor Day weekend, preliminary reports show three people lost their lives on Minnesota roads. Law enforcement made 368 DWI arrests over Labor Day weekend.

According to DPS-OTS figures, of the 152 deaths this summer:

• At least eight were known to be distraction-related, compared with 10 in 2019;

• 50 were speed-related, compared with 30 in 2019;

• 40 were alcohol-related, compared with 42 in 2019;

• 36 were not wearing their seat belts, compared with 22 in 2019;

• 36 were motorcyclists, compared with 34 last year. Of the 36 motorcyclists who died, 27 were not wearing a helmet, compared with 23 in 2019;

• 14 were pedestrians, compared with seven in 2019;

• Four were bicyclists, compared with five in 2019: and

• 110 were males, while 41 were female, and one was not reported, compared with 92 males and 44 females in 2019.

The DPS-OTS has reported 255 fatalities on Minnesota roads so far this year, compared with 246 fatalities this time last year.