Deadliest Weekend Of 2013: 8 Killed On Minnesota Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- At least eight people were killed on Minnesota roads this past weekend, which makes it the deadliest weekend of the year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Of the eight deaths, five occurred on Sunday – the deadliest day of the year.

The Sunday fatalities include a three-fatality death in Minneapolis and a motorcyclist in Brooklyn Park.

"Tragic periods like this past weekend show how deadly our roads can turn," says Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol. "The people who lost their lives in these crashes are the reasons we all need to take the task of driving seriously and make safe decisions behind the wheel."

Roeske added that motorists must buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and never drive impaired. He said motorists must drive alert and be prepared to react as more pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists return to the roads.

This year, 71 people have been killed in crashes, compared to 75 at this time in 2012.