Traffic fatalities up last year in Minnesota

Traffic fatalities in Minnesota were up 14 percent last year over 2014, according to data released Thursday by the Department of Public Safety.

The department said there were 411 fatalities on state roads in 2015, compared to 361 the year before. It's the highest fatality rate in five years, and reverses a fairly steady decline that dropped annual traffic deaths below the 500 mark a decade ago.

Donna Burger, the head of the state's Office of Traffic Safety, pointed to several factors that experts see behind the rise. The single biggest was distracted driving, blamed for 74 deaths, a 21 percent spike over 2014.

Speeding-related deaths were up 17 percent, and drunk driving crashes were responsible for 8 percent more fatalities last year, over 2014.

"We are upping our enforcement campaign, trying to reinforce that people cannot multitask behind the wheel," Berger said. "Set your phones aside, set your radio. Deal with your children. Be all set before you put that car in drive. Because a text or a phone call is not worth a life."

Drunk driving continues to be the single largest contributing factor to deaths on Minnesota roads, responsible for nearly a quarter of last year's fatalities, followed by lack of a seat belt.

Another standout among the statistics: the number of pedestrians killed in crashes more than doubled in 2015 from the mark the year before. The state said 41 pedestrians were killed last year, compared to 17 two years ago. That 2015 number, however, is closer to the previous five year average, about 38 pedestrian fatalities from 2009 to 2013.

Berger also noted that bad weather may get headlines, but good roads are deadlier. Authorities reported snow on the road in just 10 of the state's 375 fatal crashes last year.

Nearly 70 percent of the fatal crashes were reported with clear weather conditions — without snow, rain or other weather factors. She said that's particularly true of the upcoming July 4 holiday, which is the state's deadliest major holiday.

Nearly half of all the July 4 weekend holiday fatalities in Minnesota have involved drunk driving, compared to about a third during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Berger said people often plan ahead when they go out to a bar or out for the evening, but aren't as thoughtful about casual gatherings, like picnics and other outdoor outings during the summer.

Traffic fatalities, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:

• 2015: 411

• 2014: 361

• 2013: 387

• 2012: 395

• 2011: 368

• 2010: 411