Number of traffic fatalities in Minnesota hits near-record low in 2014

(THE MED CITY BEAT) - Traffic deaths on Minnesota roads fell to a near-record low last year, according to preliminary numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Safety.

The department projects a final number of 370 road fatalities in 2014 after final statistics are evaluated. If that number holds, it would be the second lowest total since 1944.

There was also a significant decline in pedestrian deaths last year, according to DPS. Preliminary results show 17 pedestrians were killed in 2014, down from 35 in 2013 and a peak of 71 in 1986.

Five bicyclists and 45 motorcyclists were also killed in 2014.

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(Cover photo: File / 36ViewsGuy / Creative Commons)