Minnesota tallied a remarkable 10 traffic deaths in 11 days earlier this month and now the Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to slow down and pay attention.

The department says in a news release Thursday that at least 10 people died from March 14-24, making it the deadliest period of the year since the eight deaths from Jan. 12-22.

DPS traffic safety director Cheri Marti is reminding drivers to use their seat belts, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and stay sober.

Of the 10 deaths, seven were on highways patrolled by state police and three were on smaller roads under the jurisdictions of local law enforcement.

So far this year, there have been 59 traffic deaths in Minnesota.