Minnesota has seen a spike in traffic fatalities to start 2024.

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, as of Wednesday, there have been 49 crash fatalities so far this year, compared with 29 at this time last year.

Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow said that while crashes aren’t uncommon during January and February, this year they’ve been more severe. Speed is a major factor because drivers are going faster due to the historic lack of snow this winter.

“The faster you go, when you crash, the more violent that crash becomes, the greater risk we have of injury or death, and that’s unfortunately what I think we’re seeing right now. And it’s concerning because one death is way too many,” Grabow said.

Grabow said drivers should slow down, pay attention and always wear a seat belt.

Related Articles

Woodbury grad party shooting: Gunman who fired shot that killed boy, 14, pleads guilty to unintentional murder

School resource officer restraints bill advances with House DFL-GOP compromise

Burnsville man fired more than 100 rifle rounds in incident that killed 2 officers, firefighter, BCA says

Public memorial service for 3 fallen Burnsville first responders to be held Feb. 28

Burnsville search warrant: Police responded to report of sex assault before man fatally shot officers, firefighter