200 people died on Minnesota roadways so far in 2016

Published 8:56 am Tuesday, July 26, 2016

ST. PAUL — Preliminary figures from the Department of Public Safety show that 200 people have died on Minnesota roads in 2016.

The Office of Traffic Safety said the 200 mark was reached Saturday, putting the number of road deaths on pace with last year, when 201 fatalities were reported on July 20.

According to a press release, officials said drunken driving, lack of seat belt use, distractions and speed are contributing to a majority of fatalities. Officials said each one of these factors is preventable.

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The deaths included 27 motorcyclists, compared with 37 reported at this time last year and 26 pedestrians, compared with 16 last year. Four bicyclists have also been killed this year in Minnesota.