If the trend continues, the total number of car accident deaths will easily surpass the 395 car accident fatalities of 2012.

A number of factors, including speeding, drunken and inattentive driving, texting, or lack of seat-belt use, continue to play a role in most Minnesota car crash deaths.  From 2008-2012, more than half of the state's 2,050 car accident deaths involved alcohol or individuals not wearing a seat belt.

Last year, traffic deaths increased in Minnesota for the first time since 2007 and nationwide for the first time since 2005.  In 2011, Minnesota had 368 car accident deaths, the fewest recorded since 1944.

This year, three of the seven counties in the metro area, Hennepin, Carver and Scott, have already passed their total of car accident deaths for all of 2012.  The other four counties are on pace to exceed their numbers from last year.

In Anoka County, more than half of the 10 fatalities have happened on Highway 10 and Highway 65.  The County will start a $35 million interchange project on Highway 10 in Ramsey to improve safety and traffic flow.

As summer turns into fall, drivers, bikers, pedestrians, and others on the road should make a commitment to try to bring the Minnesota car accident death toll down from last year. Avoiding drowsy, distracted and drunk driving; obeying the speed limit and observing all road safety rules are important ways in Minnesota motorists can do their part to reduce fatal car accidents.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident, call 612-ASK-DAVE (612-275-3283) for a free consultation with a local Minnesota lawyer.