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?
Politics and Government News
The Associated Press and MPR News Staff

Minnesota records 100th traffic death of 2021

Traffic is slow on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis
Slow traffic on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis in March 2020. Minnesota has already passed 100 traffic deaths this year, weeks earlier than a normal year, even as many people continue to drive less amid the ongoing pandemic.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News 2020

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!

Minnesota recorded its 100th traffic death of the year on Wednesday, marking the earliest point in a year that the total has hit triple-digits since at least 2015. That's even as many people continue to drive less amid the ongoing pandemic.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, 20 more people have died on the roads than at the same point last year. Last year the state didn't see it's 100th traffic death until May 26.

State Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson said a large percentage of this year's traffic deaths are due to people driving too fast. Speeding and alcohol were a factor in 60 percent of the deaths.

Preliminary reports show 394 people died on Minnesota roads in 2020, up from 364 in 2019. The fatalities last year include 82 motorists, 11 pedestrians, two bicyclists and two motorcyclists.

Fatalities caused by excessive speed have nearly doubled compared to this time last year, and more people have died because they weren’t wearing seatbelts.

Hanson said there've been continued rumors that police aren't enforcing speed limits because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Drivers [are] being stopped for really egregious violations. [They are] going more than 100 miles an hour,” Hanson said. “They were flabbergasted that they were actually getting stopped because most of them believed that law enforcement was not engaged in traffic enforcement at all, which was completely incorrect.

As Minnesota nears its busiest road season, Hanson said it’s time for drivers to rediscover their old, safe driving habits. He added that law enforcement will step up efforts to crack down on speeding drivers in the coming months.