Minnesota – Fatal Car Crash Statistics

Minnesota - Fatal Car Crash Statistics

The nation saw 32,166 fatal motor crashes in 2015 with a total of 35,092 deaths as a result. These numbers represent 10.9 fatalities per 100,000 people and 1.13 fatalities per 100 million miles driven. The number of fatal crashes in Minnesota during 2015 was 375 with 411 total people killed on roadways. Michigan has 9.7 fatalities per 100,000 people, and 0.98 deaths per 100,000,000 miles traveled. These numbers are below the national average.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) publishes a yearly report using data collected through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The report provides useful information and allows comparisons to be made between states. Nationwide, 55% of crash deaths happened in single-vehicle accidents. Minnesota has the smallest percentage of single-vehicle crashes in the country with 47%. 33% were reported in urban locations while 67% were in rural areas.

Minnesota Vehicle Crash Facts

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety publishes an annual report called Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts. It provides information and details about the fatal vehicle accidents in the state. The report is utilized by traffic safety partners, legislators, media and the public.

According to the report, the top four factors that contribute to fatalities on Minnesota roads include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted Driving
  • Driving while Impaired
  • Failure to Use Seatbelts

In 2015 there were 78 fatalities attributed to speeding, 74 linked to driving while distracted, 95 because of drunk driving and 91 people died who were not using a seatbelt.

On average, there were 205 reported crashes a day in the state resulting in 1 death and 82 injuries. 2015 saw an increase in traffic deaths, up 13.9% from 2014. This number was the highest in more than 5 years after having had a continuous decline. Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death in young people, and 113 of those who lost their lives were under the age of 30. The National Safety Council states that crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 1 through 34.

Most fatal traffic accidents happen during the morning and evening rush hours, between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This period is a change from the 1990’s when most crashes happened in the overnight hours.

Toward Zero Deaths

Minnesota has been active in an initiative called Toward Zero Lives. Part of a nationwide program, the goal is to reduce overall accidents and deaths on the road. There are a number of programs that are used to educate the public and provide information that is designed to help drivers become safer behind the wheel. The program has been working but more still needs to be done. The goal is to reach 300 deaths per year by 2020.


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