Fatal car crashes trend up in October

While for most of the year there has been a downward trend of motor vehicle deaths, recently there has been an upward trend.
That prompted Minnesota Department of Public Safety Director of Traffic Safety Mike Hanson to send out a memorandum to traffic safety partners across the state to continue to encourage people to drive safe.
“I am writing to all of you this morning with a call to action. As of yesterday morning 287 Minnesotans have died in crashes on Minnesota roads. We are 13 deaths ahead of where we were at this time last year. Until two weeks ago, we were continuing a downward trend and had been consistently better than last year. We are now well into the wrong side of our Toward Zero Deaths goal.”
 
COMPLEXITIES OF DRIVING
Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol Public Information Officer, explained that driving is very complicated and it’s important that people concentrate on the road while driving.
“Driving is a complex task. We may not realize this as we all drive the same routes every day and it seems routine,” Christianson said. “Driving requires us to be totally focused — we need to remember that the driving environment can change in an instant. We can’t stay totally “connected” all the time — especially when driving. Before you start to drive, get focused. Take steps to put your attention on the road — set your music, put your phones out of reach, and know your directions.” Christianson encourages people to do their part and encourage your family and friends to buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.
Sheriff Scott Rose had a similar message like Christianson’s, and that is to drive like your life depends on it.
“This has been an extremely difficult year for us here in Dodge County. This is the first year in over a decade our deputies have had to deal with six fatalities on our roadways - and we still have over two months to go,” Rose said. “Responding to these crashes, rendering aid to those hurt, and notifying loved ones of those lost takes a great toll on our staff – not to mention the ripple effect in our community.” Rose said preventable behavior like speeding, alcohol use, and distracted driving have been identified as major factors in each of these tragedies. “Please lead by example – buckle up, drive at safe speeds, put your phones down, and always have a designated driver,” the sheriff said. “As a parent, this could be the most important lesson you ever teach your kids, family, and friends.”
 
ENCOURAGING EDUCATION
As part of a memorandum sent out to different traffic safety partners, Hanson made a simple request.
Encourage officers across the state to give extra concentration on traffic enforcement.
“My request is simple. For our great law enforcement partners; take just a couple of minutes at roll call or send a quick email to reinforce the importance of active traffic law enforcement. We will never know the person we may save, but traffic enforcement is among our most effective tools for changing errant by ehavior. Not one of us wants to be the next officer, trooper, or deputy who has
to make a death notification when we all know these are preventable.”
Hanson went on to say that others can also help by encouraging people they know to drive safe.
“For the rest of us; we need to continue to be the best advocates for traffic safety that we can. Fatal and serious injury crashes are not inevitable and they can be prevented. It will take all of us working together to reverse this deadly trend.”
Jessica Schleck, Southeast Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths coordinator, echoed that call to action by saying it’s time to add the fifth “E,” which is everyone.
“As of today, 296 people have died in crashes on Minnesota roads. This is 15 deaths ahead of where we were at this time last year. TZD has been working with the four Es Enforcement, Engineering, Education and Emergency Medical and Trauma Services and seeing success for more than 15 years, but it’s time to expand our efforts to the fifth “E” – Everyone,” Schleck said.
Schleck said we can do this by working to transform the existing culture that we have all been living – at work, at home, in our
professional lives, and with our family and friends. “We can influence others. Positively changing safety culture would lead drivers to understand the potential results of their actions
helping them focus on safety instead of convenience,” she said. “Please encourage your friends and family members to make good choices behind the wheel, because together we can save lives.”
Since TZD has been founded 15 years ago they have worked hard to educate people of all ages about the importance of driving safely and they will continue to do so going forward.
For those who are interested in being part of the local TZD coalition can contact Schleck at jess
schleck@state.mn.us.