Resources by Topic

This section provides information and links to resources in the critical emphasis areas identified in Minnesota's Strategic Highway Safety Plan and other topics that serve as focus areas for reducing fatalities and injuries on Minnesota's roads.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has emerged as one of the key safety issues in the U.S.

  • Driver distraction was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008 according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
  • The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group.
  • An estimated 21 percent of injury crashes were reported to have involved distracted driving, according to data from the General Estimates System (GES).

From: Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs, Governors Highway Safety Association, 2010

Younger Drivers

2007 Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan Goal

"Institute graduated licensing for young drivers"

Impaired Driving

Minnesota Safe Ride Programs

Communities across Minnesota are committed to addressing the complex issues of impaired driving. One strategy embraced by many communities is that of providing alternative transportation services for individuals who choose not to drive after drinking.

Seat Belt Use

Fasten Your Seat Belts — Primary Law Now in Effect

Minnesota’s primary seat belt law went into effect on June 9, 2009, meaning drivers and passengers in all seating positions must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.

Statistics

Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts

Annual publication by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety researchers. This detailed report presents facts about crashes in Minnesota, including alcohol use, seat belt use, motorcycles, trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, school buses and trains.