MN Toward Zero Deaths

Protecting Wildlife Along Minnesota Roads This week is Wildlife Casualty Count Week of Action in Minnesota. It highlights the impacts transportation systems have on wildlife and raises awareness of wildlife deaths resulting from vehicle co…

Summer is calling, and that means epic road trips, weekend getaways, and quality time with family and friends. However, because the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are historically the most traveled—and the most dangerous days on our roads—law enforcement is stepping up patrols through the summer (youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-L4QwDRgU). Agencies will be heavily targeting the "Big Four" behaviors that contribute to the most crashes: speeding, distracted driving, driving while impaired, and not wearing a seat belt.

It’s easy to treat the daily commute or weekend drive as routine, but the reality is that the road can be unpredictable. According to safety experts, most crashes are the result of choices made behind the wheel. Last year alone, between May 26 and September 1, there were 111 fatalities on Minnesota roads—and the tragic truth is that these 111 fatalities were preventable:
• 37 deaths involved alcohol
• 31 deaths involved speeding
• 16 deaths involved a victim not wearing a seat belt
• 5 deaths involved a distracted driver

Making the conscious choice to drive sober, slow down, buckle up, and stay focused can mean the difference between life and death—for you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Message Monday! Safe travels this Memorial Day 🇺🇸

As we head into the summer months, we're sharing a resource to help keep teens safe during what is being called the "100 Safest Days of Summer" (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The 100 Safest Days of Summer Coalition has compiled materials that highlight important safety reminders—please share these with your networks and social media to help spread the word. By working together, we can expand our reach, amplify life-saving messages, and create a lasting impact in every community.
Download materials at 100safestdaysofsummer.org/resources.

Thank you for helping keep younger drivers safe this summer!

The 100 days between Memorial Day through Labor Day are typically the most traveled days nationwide. The extra travel raises the chances of crashes for everyone on the road. Minnesota law enforcement agencies are kicking off a statewide summer enforcement campaign aimed at slowing drivers down and preventing deadly crashes. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer travel and a critical time for traffic safety efforts across the state.

Officers, troopers, and deputies will gather at the Eagan Police Department at 11 a.m. May 21 (today) to raise awareness before deploying statewide for increased speed enforcement and visibility over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer.

A broadcast-quality livestream of this event will also appear on the DPS YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/_f1X5NU-BnE

Millions of people across the United States ride motorcycles—some as a primary or secondary form of transportation, and others as a leisure activity. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month—a great opportunity to increase motorcycle safety messaging, both for motorcyclists and drivers. Help support motorcycle safety with materials from NHTSA: trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety

As we head into the warmer months, many are dusting off bicycles to enjoy the sunshine, commute, or get some exercise. Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to share a few quick reminders to help keep both cyclists and drivers safe on the road this summer.

🚴For cyclists: Gear up & stay alert
• Check your equipment: Ensure your tires are properly inflated, seats are locked, and your bike is equipped with reflectors.
• Wear a helmet: Every rider, every time. Make sure it fits snugly–two finger-widths above your eyebrow, with the chin strap securely fastened.
• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use flashing lights if riding at night.
• Follow the rules: Obey all traffic laws, ride single file in the direction of traffic, and always use hand signals.

🚗For drivers: Share the road
• Practice the "far-hand reach": When parking, use your hand furthest from the door to open it. This forces you to turn your body and check your blind spot for oncoming cyclists before opening the door.
• Give space: Always stay alert and give cyclists plenty of room on the road.

Safety is a shared responsibility and integrating simple, mindful habits into our daily routines can help assure everyone makes it home at the end of the day. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Message Monday!

Safer roads start with small habits: look twice, signal early and give riders room. We all play a part.

ICYMI:

Not getting the message: Nearly 5,500 drivers ticketed last month for using devices behind the wheel One driver was caught for the 6th time while another was using a phone and laptop at the same time.