State launches new website to remember crash victims

Published 8:50 am Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety has developed a new website aimed at helping families of Minnesota traffic crash victims memorialize their loved ones.

The site, www.MinnesotaCrashVictims.org, is believed to be the first memorial site of its kind in the nation.

It provides a place for crash victims’ families to present a remembrance of a loved one, while also educating Minnesotans about traffic safety and the stories and causes behind the deadly crashes.

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According to a news release, each year in Minnesota more than 400 people are killed in crashes and more than 30,000 are injured. More than half of the motorists killed each year are not buckled up.

“These are the faces behind the statistics. These are the reasons and the reminders to drive safely,” said Office of Traffic Safety Director Cheri Marti in the release. “The personal stories resonate with visitors far greater than stats and numbers. This human element can help influence safe driving behavior.”

When a family creates a memorial on the website, the Department of Public Safety confirms the fatality and ensures the accuracy of the crash description through its records.

The site requires families to enter victim crash details to enhance the educational component, such as seat belt or helmet use and impaired or distracted driving.

The site also allows families to connect with others who have entered a memorial and gives visitors an opportunity to post photos and offer remembrances in a guestbook.

The website is part of the Toward Zero Deaths initiative.