DPS: After Deadly Weekend, Fatal Crashes Surpass 300 In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It was another deadly weekend on Minnesota roads, and state authorities said Monday that traffic deaths have gone over 300 for the year.

There were least four fatal crashes in Minnesota over the weekend, putting the number of traffic deaths at 304 for 2015. That number is up from 266 reported traffic deaths at this time last year.

The state didn't reach 300 traffic deaths last year until Nov. 8.

Authorities say of the 304 fatalities this year, 56 have been crashes involving motorcycles and 24 have been pedestrians. Of the 266 deaths at this time last year, 41 were motorcyclists and 14 were pedestrians.

At least four people died in crashes over the weekend. A 25-year-old motorcyclist from Apple Valley died after he drove into oncoming traffic on Sunday in Hennepin County. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

A 61-yaer-old Maple Grove man died in a head-on crash in Mille Lacs County on Sunday. A 29-year-old Cambridge man died in a rollover crash in Itasca County on Sunday. He was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol was detected at the scene. A 34-year-old Fairmont man also died in a broadside crash Saturday in Martin County. He was not wearing a seat belt.