Minnesota traffic deaths soar

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Caution urged during holiday travel period

WORTHINGTON — In one week’s time, eight traffic fatalities were reported by the Minnesota State Patrol, including the deaths of two children. One of the fatal crashes in Blue Earth County involved a vehicle driven by a Worthington woman.

The stretch of road deaths between Nov. 11 and Nov. 17 comes right before the historically deadly Thanksgiving travel period, which has the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) cautioning motorists. In 2009, 263 people were injured in crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend, which the DPS defines as the period between 6 p.m. Wednesday through midnight Sunday. In those 102 hours, five people died.

The number has gone done down significantly in six years — in 2006, eight people died, and in 2004 there were 13 deaths — but the DPS knows that is five deaths too many. They have been working with the Minnesota State Patrol and many local partners on the TZD Program — Toward Zero Deaths.

As of Nov. 18, 2010, the Minnesota State Patrol had reported 360 traffic deaths, as compared to 356 at that time in 2009. The count includes 35 motorcyclists, 31 pedestrians and nine bicyclists. In the past week, people were killed in crashes resulting from rollovers, vehicles that crossed into oncoming traffic, rear-end type crashes and weather-related incidents. Some of the cases remain under investigation.

Not all crashes result in fatalities or serious injuries, of course. In 2009, there were 570 crashes across the state over Thanksgiving weekend. Of those, 397 involved property damage only. But even a crushed fender or crumpled hood can put a dent in holiday spirits.

In southwest Minnesota, local law enforcement officials chimed in with advice on ways to avoid crashes over the busy holiday travel period and any other time of the year.

“Death doesn’t stop for a holiday,” stated Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge. “We in law enforcement don’t want to have to tell your family you aren’t going to make it to their place because you were involved in a traffic crash. Take the time to get to your location in a safe manner.”

The number one recommendation from each law enforcement official regarding safe travel?

“Wear your seat belt at all times.”

Driving the posted speed limit is the next important reminder.

Pipestone County Sheriff Dan Delaney advises motorists to be aware of weather conditions, not just where they are starting out, but where they are going.

“Just because conditions are favorable where you are doesn’t mean they will be favorable the entire trip or at your destination,” he explained. “Be aware of changing conditions constantly along your trip.”

If road conditions deteriorate, increase the safe stopping distance between vehicles and turn off the cruise control, Delaney advised. Icy, wet and snowy roads require slower travel with headlights on.

“In the event you do come across a situation where you begin to lose control or an animal runs across the road, remain calm,” Delaney added. “Ease your foot off the gas pedal and don’t steer away from the object.”

Knowing the vehicle you are driving is important, he emphasized. Anti-lock brakes operate differently than traditional brakes and drivers need to know what they have and what to do in the event they need to stop quickly.

“If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, the last thing you want to do is slam down the brake pedal,” Delaney said.

As always, authorities caution motorists that drinking and driving can have deadly consequences for drivers, passengers or innocent victims in passing vehicles, so people need to stop and think before they get behind the wheel.

“This last week demonstrates how deadly Minnesota roads can be, and these tragedies reinforce how vital it is to be focused behind the wheel and make smart, safe decisions,” said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske. “We want families intact on the Monday after Thanksgiving.”

Tags: news, fatalaties, crashes, minnesota, worthington