Crime & Safety

Minnesota ​Pedestrian Deaths Spike in 2016

This year saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1991 and a 50 percent increase in fatalities in the past five years.

Pedestrian deaths climbed again in 2016 with a preliminary figure of 60 fatalities compared with a final figure of 41 in 2015. This is the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1991 and a 50 percent increase in fatalities in the past five years, according to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.

On Facebook, the agency listed the following ways motorists can help prevent pedestrian deaths:

• Treat every corner as a crosswalk and stop for pedestrians crossing at all corners and crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked — this is the law.
• Drive at safe speeds and be alert for pedestrians.
• Pay attention: Drive distracted free. Driver distraction is a leading cause of pedestrian/vehicle crashes.

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Pedestrians can ensure their safety by:

• Crossing at a corner, a marked crosswalk or where a traffic light is present.
• Never cross in the middle of the road or walk down an interstate.
• Wear bright colored clothing when walking at night.
• Pay attention and look both ways before crossing.

Find out what's happening in Saint Paulfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Image via Shutterstock

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