De La Hunt Media - KK Radio Network

 The 368 traffic deaths on Minnesota roads in 2011 represents a fourth consecutive annual drop in road fatalities and the lowest death count on record since 1944 when 356 were killed. The deaths include 120 unbelted motorists and 111 alcohol-impaired crash victims. The state’s 2011 fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is less than one person (0.65, the state’s record low). The U.S. fatality rate is 1.09. In 2009, (most recent national data), Minnesota was third behind Massachusetts and Connecticut for the lowest fatality rate in the U.S. There were 56.7 billion vehicle miles traveled in Minnesota last year, less than 1 percent lower than the 56.8 billion in 2010. The 368 deaths also marks a 44 percent decrease from 10 years ago: 2002 — 657 deaths; 2003 — 655; 2004 — 567; 2005 — 559; 2006 — 494; 2007 — 510; 2008 — 455; 2009 — 421; 2010 — 411. To-date in 2012, there has been 120 road deaths compared to 115 deaths at this time in 2011. “Minnesota motorists have done a lot to improve road safety by practicing safe driving behaviors, but there are still far too many families and communities that have been torn apart by these preventable tragedies,” DPS Commissioner Mona Dohman said. “We remember the lives that were lost on our roads as we continue our drive toward the goal of zero deaths.”