Early figures may show that there were 60 fewer traffic deaths on Minnesota’s roadways in 2004 &045; a decrease of 9.2 percent from preliminary figures released for 2003 &045; but we cannot afford to become complacent about safety.

Even though there has been a decrease in deaths, safety officials said the death rate is &uot;unacceptable and preventable.&uot;

As of Monday, there were 537 traffic deaths recorded in Minnesota in 2004. The preliminary 2003 death count at this time last year was 597, and the final death count was 655 &045; the second-highest number of deaths since 1981.

The preliminary 2004 death count includes 444 motorists, 54 motorcyclists, nine bicyclists and 30 pedestrians. Officials expect 2004’s final count to rise as more reports are received from local authorities and as severely injured victims die from their injuries. Final statistics for 2004 are due in the spring.

Officials have attributed the drop in deaths in part to education efforts and to an increase in seat belt use. Seat belt use among Minnesotans reached a record high of 82.1 percent in August 2004. The statistics show that they do indeed save lives, and we need to keep using them each and every time we get in our vehicles.

Also, drivers need to continue to obey the speed limits. Faster speeds equal more accidents.

And we need to continually remind ourselves and those we love not to drink and drive.

Hopefully, the numbers won’t rise much from the preliminary numbers, and Minnesotans will truly see the benefits of safety education efforts.