Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) preliminary traffic crash reports indicate 43 people were killed in traffic incidents during the month of June.
State data reveals traffic deaths have significantly spiked during the summer driving season.
In May, 45 motorists were killed - compared to the 27 deaths in March and 26 fatalities in April. Minnesota has tallied 220 deaths to-date, putting the state on the same pace as last year's death count.
The June deaths include 35 vehicle occupants, five motorcyclists, two scooter riders and one pedestrian.
Half of the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. Alcohol was a factor in at least 20 of the serious injuries; alcohol use in fatal crashes is unknown at this time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Of those killed, two were under age four; 14 were ages 15-29; 11 were ages 30-44; seven were ages 45-59; and nine were age 60 or older. Males were largely overrepresented with 28 deaths.
Vehicles running off the road and broadside, "T-bone" crashes were the most reported circumstances in fatal crashes with 16 and nine deaths, respectively.
June traffic death totals will increase as additional reports are submitted. Preliminary statewide traffic crash statistics are compiled from State Patrol, and reporting county and city law enforcement agencies.
