Motorcycle Deaths Keep Climbing in Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - While overall traffic deaths are down in Minnesota, including alcohol-related crashes and teen deaths, motorcycle-related deaths continue to rise.

There were 455 traffic deaths on Minnesota roads in 2008, down 11 percent from the 510 deaths in 2007 and the lowest on record since 1945.

The report highlights 72 motorcyclist deaths, accounting 16 percent of all traffic deaths and the biggest rider death count since 1985. Most recently, two motorcyclists were killed in crash Wednesday morning in Independence, Minn ., as a group of five bikers were heading to an event.

While the state recorded the lowest number of alcohol-related traffic deaths ever (163), alcohol-related crashes still accounted for 36 percent of all fatalities -- a typical portion each year.

Teenagers (16–19) continue their decline in deaths, with 31 teen deaths in 2008, down from 41 in 2007. Minnesota Department of Public Safety officials attribute the drop to a stronger teen graduated driver’s licensing law and a ban on texting while driving.

DPS officials said a spike in unemployment and high gas prices each played a role in the low 2008 death count. Gas prices caused motorists to drive at slower, safer speeds, and unemployment rates likely factored in a slight but not significant drop in vehicle miles traveled.

The most common factors in all 2008 crashes are, in order of frequency, driver inattention or distraction, failure to yield right-of-way and speeding.

“Minnesota can continue the positive trend of preventing traffic deaths if all motorists continue to put their absolute focus toward driving and practice common sense safety habits,” Cheri Marti, DPS director of the Office of Traffic Safety, said.

To-date in 2009, there are 212 traffic deaths compared to 208 at this time last year.