Minnesota Traffic Deaths Rise

Minnesota saw a 14 percent raise in traffic deaths last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

A press release sent Thursday says the state saw 411 fatalities in 2015 , an increase from the 361 it dealt with a year before then. Of those accidents reported last year, 71 involved distracted driving.

“Reducing traffic crashes and the tragic loss of life on Minnesota roads is an ongoing challenge in our state,” said Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman. “The data mean more than numbers. They represent mothers, fathers, children and loved ones, some of whom will never come home. We need to stand together to make sure all drivers are focused 100 percent on the road, and speak up if we see dangerous driving behaviors. Together we can save lives.”

Data in the release says the July 4 weekend is the deadliest on Minnesota’s calendar.

In the last five years, 44 percent of the state’s crashes were related to the drunk driving issue.

On average, Independence Day weekend in Minnesota includes four deaths, over 400 DWI arrests, about 400 vehicle crashes and an estimated 200 injuries.