Our state’s traffic fatalities so far this year are reflecting a dangerous pace.

Year-to-date traffic fatalities reached 101 over the weekend. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, passing the 100-mark reflects a 35-percent increase in the number of traffic deaths compared to this time in 2004. Last year, the number of traffic fatalities passed 100 on April 12, and the year ended with 564 traffic fatalities. If the current rate continues, the Office of Traffic Safety projects 761 deaths in 2005, or an average of more than two deaths each day.

It’s scary, given that historically, the greatest number of fatal and serious injury crashes occurs during the summer months.

We as drivers and passengers don’t have to stand idly by and watch this happen, however. While we never know what the other guy might do, driving the speed limit, buckling up, being alert and not allowing distractions like our cell phones take over, and not driving while impaired can all improve our chances on the road.

And now that nice weather is upon us, we all need to remember that children are excited about getting outside, too, and may dash out into the street without warning. Regardless of how many times they have been told to be careful, sometimes they forget. Slow down if you see kids playing or are driving on a street you know is popular with the kids. Bicyclists will also be out in numbers, and motorists need to watch for them, too.