Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, known as the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads, again proved to be a tragic time in 2019. More than half of the traffic fatalities so far this year occurred during this period, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

There were 132 deaths this summer, including a two-car crash that took six lives. 

The 132 lives lost represent 57 percent of all traffic fatalities so far in 2019.

The 123 fatalities during the 100 deadliest days in 2018 represented 53 percent of traffic fatalities during the same time period last year.

Preliminary numbers show that of the 132 deaths:

At least 10 are known to be distraction-related, compared with nine in 2018.

27 are speed-related, compared with 32 in 2018.

32 are alcohol-related, compared with 44 in 2018.

22 were not wearing their seat belts, compared with 18 in 2018.

33 were motorcyclists, compared with 43 last year. Of the 33 motorcyclists who died, 22 were not wearing a helmet, compared with 30 in 2018.

Eight were pedestrians, compared with seven in 2018.

Five were bicyclists, compared with three in 2018.

88 were males, while 44 were female.

 

Fatalities by age

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also released the ages of those killed in car crashes during this same period:

10 years of age and younger: 2

11 to 20 years: 15

21 to 30 years: 27

31 to 40 years: 18

41 to 50 years: 16

51 to 60 years: 17

61 to 70 years: 22

71 to 80 years: 9

81 to 90 years: 5

91 to 100 years: 1

 

DWI enforcement

To educate drivers on the dangers of drunk driving and planning a safe ride home, a statewide extra enforcement and awareness campaign took place Aug. 16 to Sept. 2.

DWIs reported by the month:

June: 2,571

July: 2,543

August: 2,659

The 7,773 DWIs during the summer compares with 7,050 during the summer of 2018.

 

Hands-free cell phone law

Minnesota is now a hands-free cell phone state, meaning a driver can no longer hold a phone in their hand while driving. Learn more about the law that took effect Aug. 1.

 

Motorcycle safety

The summer months of June through August tend to be the time when there are more motorcycle fatalities.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety gives the following recommendations for both riders and drivers in hopes of decreasing motorcycle-related deaths:

Riders

Wear brightly-colored protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet. This is all that separates you from the road and other vehicles in case of a crash.

Be prepared for inattentive drivers and other unexpected situations on the road. Stay focused on riding and keep your speed in check.

Take a training course. Courses are wrapping up this season but will resume next April. There are training courses for beginner to expert riders that provide the opportunity to polish and learn life-saving maneuvers to keep you safe on the road.

 

Motorists

Always look twice for motorcyclists before entering a roadway or changing lanes. Motorcycles are smaller, so their speed and distance is difficult to judge.

Give riders room to ride, pay attention and drive at safe speeds.

 

Speak up and save lives

If you are with a driver who is distracted by their phone, speak up, tell them to put the phone down and offer to be their designated texter.

Refuse to drive until every passenger is buckled up.

Slow down — trying to save a few minutes off your drive isn’t worth causing a crash.

Plan ahead before you go out by designating a sober driver, and if you see a person who has had too much to drink, speak up and find them a safe ride home.