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MPR News Staff

Minnesota road crash deaths fell to near-record lows in 2014

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Traffic deaths on Minnesota roads fell to near-record lows in 2014, preliminary state data show.

An early analysis of records by the state's Department of Public Safety found that 356 people were killed in 2014 crashes. Officials estimate the final count will come in at 370 fatalities after final statistics are evaluated.

Still, that would be the second-lowest number since 1944 when 356 people died, the department reports; 387 died in 2013.

Analysts also found a significant decline in pedestrian deaths in 2014. "After peaking at 71 deaths in 1986, pedestrian fatalities dropped to 17 according to preliminary numbers," making it the lowest number record from 1984 to 2014, DPS said.

Five bicyclists died last year, down from six in 2013. The department also reported 45 motorcyclists deaths, down from 60 in 2013.

Overall, the deadliest months in 2014 were August (43 fatalities), July (40) and September (37). March (19), February (20) and January (28) had the fewest fatalities.

Alcohol, more than driver distraction and speeding, is the chief factor in state traffic deaths, responsible for one out of every five traffic fatalities, the department said.