2021 proved to be one of the deadliest years on Minnesota roadways according to new data released on Tuesday by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Preliminary data shows 497 traffic fatalities in 2021, the highest since 510 traffic fatalities were reported in 2007. There were 394 traffic deaths in 2020.
“I’m saddened knowing how many families lost a loved one in a traffic crash in 2021,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “With sadness, there is also anger. Anger that so many motorists are taking the privilege of driving for granted. Some drivers are deliberately exceeding the speed limit, failing to put down the phone, refusing to buckle up and making the poor choice of driving impaired. Until every motorist takes responsibility for their own actions, we’ll continue to see the carnage on our roads. Let’s make sure 2022 isn’t as heartbreaking for Minnesotans.”
Speed was the largest contributing factor in fatal crashes with 162 speed-related deaths, a 33 percent increase from 2020 and a 116 percent increase from 2019.
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109 unbelted motorists were killed in 2021, up 4 percent from 2020 and 49 percent compared to 2019.
Those killed in 2021 varied in age, however 86 deaths were individuals in the 31 to 40-year-old age group, while 84 people were killed in the 21 to 30-year-old age group.
Drivers ages 11 to 20 made-up the second least amount of reported traffic deaths, with 48. Seven individuals 10 and under were killed.
As of Tuesday, two deaths had been reported on Minnesota roadways in 2022.