Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota News Network
Rochester, Minn.

State officials address impaired driving

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Rural road
A two-lane highway in rural St. Louis County. The Center for Excellence in Rural Safety, at the University of Minnesota, says more highway deaths in Minnesota happen on rural roads, even though urban roads carry more of the state's traffic.
MPR photo/Tom Weber

Sate and local safety officials are gathering in Rochester to discuss speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving.

State Traffic Safety Director Cherie Marti said those are issues at the top the agenda for the "think session" Tuesday and Wednesday.

She said the group wants to reduce highway deaths. And she said they plan to ask state lawmakers to pass a mandatory seat belt law next session, among other measures.

"We do currently have a legislative initiative to look at ignition interlock systems, looking at how can we assure that drivers convicted of impaired driving, how can we get them to not get back on the road with impairment," Marti said.

Marti said officials are trying to reduce annual traffic deaths by 400 by the year 2010. She said there has been a 22 percent drop in road fatalities since 2003.

Gallery
1 of 1
Rural road
A two-lane highway in rural St. Louis County. The Center for Excellence in Rural Safety, at the University of Minnesota, says more highway deaths in Minnesota happen on rural roads, even though urban roads carry more of the state's traffic.
MPR photo/Tom Weber