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Officials Call For Traffic Safety As Days Get Darker Faster

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is warning motorists to be more aware of pedestrian and bicycle traffic this fall as days are starting to get darker faster.

October 2010 was one of the deadliest months ever for pedestrians as seven were killed. There have been 18 pedestrian deaths so far this year, which is down from 25 last year. Bicyclist deaths are also down this year at three from last year's number of eight.

If the pace keeps up, 2011 could be one of the safest on record for bikers and pedestrians. There were a total of 36 pedestrian deaths and nine bicyclist deaths last year.

DPS officials said having an increased awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists as daylight gets shorter is essential to keeping everyone safe.

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