2010 Minn. Traffic Deaths Expected To Match 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Public safety officials expect Minnesota's 2010 traffic death toll to match 2009's low count.

According to preliminary records, at least 410 people were killed on Minnesota roads in 2010.

The state Department of Public Safety projects the final 2010 count to be around 420 deaths. That's on par with 2009's total of 421, the lowest number of annual traffic deaths in Minnesota since 1944.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion credits legislation such as the primary seat belt law and traffic safety campaigns for fewer road deaths in recent years.

Campion says Minnesota has cut its annual road deaths by more than 200 since just eight years ago.

Final crash numbers will be released early this summer.

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