More than 300 deaths on Minnesota roads so far this year
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Crashes on Minnesota roads have claimed more than 300 lives so far this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Officials say as of Monday 302 people have died on the roads, compared to 285 traffic deaths this time last year. In 2017, there were 358 total traffic fatalities.
Authorities say four main factors contributed the fatal crashes: alcohol, distracted driving, speed and not wearing a seatbelt. So far, there have been 93 alcohol-related deaths, which accounts for 31 percent of the fatalities. Of the total fatalities, 72 percent of the victims have been male.
Extra DWI enforcement for the holidays and weekends begins on Nov. 21 and ends on Dec. 29.