DPS: 2011 State Traffic Deaths Lowest Since 1944

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – A report released Wednesday said 368 people died in traffic crashes in Minnesota last year, and that figure is the state's lowest in more than 60 years, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Officials said the 368 people killed is the lowest number since 1944, when 356 people died in traffic crashes. Of the people killed last year, 120 were not wearing seat belts and 111 were involved in alcohol-related incidents.

So far this year, there have been 120 people killed in crashes on Minnesota roads. That number compares to 115 this time last year.

Minnesota has a fatality rate of .65 per 100 million vehicles traveled, which ranks third in the nation behind Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The 368 people killed last year also shows a 44 percent decrease in traffic deaths from 10 years ago. Officials said they attribute the lower numbers to more motorists wearing their seat belts and a drop in drunk driving arrests.