Pedestrian crashes, fatalities increase in fall months

ST. PAUL, Minn. – More hours of darkness this time of year increase the number of pedestrian crashes and fatalities, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. As the days get shorter and the nights longer, motorists and pedestrians should use caution when driving and walking.

So far this year, 26 pedestrians were killed. In 2016, preliminary numbers show 60 pedestrians were killed and 1,204 were injured compared to 41 deaths and 904 injuries in 2015.

“Pedestrians are more difficult to see when the sun rises later and sets earlier, increasing the risk of crashes,” said Jay Hietpas, MnDOT state traffic engineer. “Motorists and pedestrians are equally at fault when we look at the crash data. That means that both groups need to know and obey the laws.”

The crosswalk law includes these highlights:

·         Motorists should stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.

·         Pedestrians should obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.

·         Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.

·         Pedestrians shouldn’t enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian should abide by before entering the crosswalk; common sense should be used.

·         When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear should not pass the stopped vehicle.

For the full crosswalk law, go to: www.mndot.gov/sharetheroad/ped/crosswalklaw.html.

About one-third of pedestrian crashes happen during the weekday rush hour driving time, defined as 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. One out of every four pedestrian fatal crashes occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

State Patrol Enforcement Campaign For The Holidays

ST. PAUL – To keep motorists and memories safe this holiday season, law enforcement across the state will be on the lookout for drunk drivers beginning this week. The extra enforcement campaign runs on weekends through December 27.

Holiday parties and family gatherings can create special memories, but for some, the memories are painful after losing a loved one to a drunk driver. Lynne Goughler knows all too well — there is no pressing the rewind button after a drunk driver gets behind the wheel and forever changes the lives of others. Lynne lost both her parents to a drunk driver during the week of Thanksgiving.

“Instead of having the cherished memories of celebrating Thanksgiving with my family, every November I relive the pain of losing my parents,” said Goughler. “It is my dream that in my lifetime we will eliminate drunk driving.”

No Holiday Cheer with Drunk DrivingDuring the Thanksgiving holiday period over the last three years (2011 – 2013), there were 1,624 drivers arrested for DWI. 

Crashes involving drunk drivers have lasting effects on survivors and their families: 17 people suffered life-changing injuries in crashes involving an impaired drive during the Thanksgiving holiday period the last three years.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
An increasing number of motorists are getting the message to drive sober or get pulled over. DWI arrests have gone down every year since 2006 when law enforcement officers arrested 41,951 drivers in Minnesota for DWI. The 2013 numbers statewide dropped to 25,719 — the lowest in recent history.

However, there are almost 600,000 Minnesota residents with a DWI on their record — that’s one out of every seven drivers in the state.

With 279 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota since 2011 -  81 people in 2013 alone - traffic safety officials continue to emphasize enforcement and education in an effort to reduce fatalities on the state’s roads.

“We’re encouraged by the drop in DWI arrests, but it’s clear there is much more work to be done through education and enforcement,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. ”The responsibility falls on all of us. Speak up if you see a friend or family member who has had too much to drink. If you are a server, don’t be afraid to cut off a customer. Let’s keep the holiday memories special, not tragic.”

DWI Consequences

• Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time.
• Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license.
• Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving

• Plan for a safe ride – designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• Buckle up – the best defense against a drunk driver.
• Report drunk driving – call 911 when witnessing drunk driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

Definitions

• Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a violation for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Alcohol-related: any evidence of alcohol detected in a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist.

• Impaired-related: any driver, pedestrian or bicyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above.
• Drunk-driving-related: any driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above.

Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign

ST. PAUL – The chance of getting stopped for thumbs on the phone will increase as Minnesota law enforcement agencies across the state focus on distracted driving education and enforcement April 11-20. Nearly 400 Minnesota agencies are adding extra patrols during an enhanced law enforcement campaign that runs those 10 days.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety (DPS / OTS):

•             There have been more than 86,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving during 2009-13, translating to 25 percent of all crashes in those five years.

•             On average, distracted driving accounts for approximately 60 fatalities and 8,000 injuries annually.

•             In 2013, inattention was the contributing factor in 17,598 crashes (23 percent of all crashes), 68 fatalities and 8,038 injuries.

“It’s a myth to think we can multitask behind the wheel,” said Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “The reality is distractions take our attention away from the important task of driving. It is up to every driver to eliminate distractions and share the road safely and responsibly.”

Minnesota’s “No Texting” Law

In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts/emails, as well as access the web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic – including at a stoplight/stop sign or stopped in traffic. It also is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at any time.

Minnesota’s “no texting” law was enacted in August 2008 and citations have increased each year:

•             2009 – 388

•             2010 – 847

•             2011 – 1,270

•             2012 – 1,718

•             2013 – 2,189

Driver distractions go beyond texting. Daydreaming/taking mind off driving; reaching for items; manipulating radio/music/vehicle controls; eating/drinking; dealing with rowdy passengers and grooming all can be driver distractions.

Tips to Minimize Distractions

•             Cell phones – Turn off cell phones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial/answer or read or send a text. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts.

•             Music and other controls – Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and AC/heat before traveling or ask a passenger to assist.

•             Navigation – Designate a passenger to help with directions. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance and pull over to study a map or program GPS.

•             Eating and drinking – Avoid foods and beverages when driving (especially messy foods) and have others’ drinks secured.

•             Children – Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle; do not underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to children while driving.

•             Passengers should speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior.

•             If making/receiving a call to/from someone driving, ask them to call back when they are not driving.