Minnesota Hits 200 Road Deaths for Year, Statewide DWI Crackdown Continues

Minnesota this weekend hit the 200 traffic death mark for the year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The milestone comes as statewide, increased DWI patrols continue to close out the summer, Aug. 17–Sept. 3.

The 205 road deaths in 2012 are on pace with 204 deaths at this time 2011. Last year, 368 people were killed, the lowest annual total since 1944. This year's 205 deaths include four bicyclist, 29 motorcyclists and 18 pedestrians. 

Three of this year's road deaths have occured in Scott County.

The DPS MinnesotaCrashVictims.org memorial website, launched in 2011, provides a dramatic representation of the lives lost on state roads and “goes beyond the stats,” according to state traffic safety officials.