News

Read current news stories or download press releases on traffic safety issues. The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety also offers a wide selection of Public Safety Announcements.

For media inquiries, please contact Nathan Bowie of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Communications; phone 651-201-7571 or e-mail Nathan.Bowie@state.mn.us.

Latest News Headlines

Using tech to curb deaths on Minnesota's roadways

Minnesota Public Radio, August 10, 2010

University of Minnesota ITS Institute Director Max Donath and HumanFIRST Director Mike Manser discuss a range of technologies that save lives on the road, from digital maps and devices that keep drivers from drifting out of their lane to phones that alert parents if a young driver is violating Minnesota's graduated driver's license rules by being out too late or having too many passengers in the car. Seat belts are a crucial safety technology, as well.

Smithsonian celebrates seatbelts and safety

Wired Autopia, July 14, 2010

Automakers and regulators are donating automotive safety systems to the Smithsonian to celebrate 75 years of automotive safety.

Enforcement issues loom with texting while driving bans

National Public Radio, July 1, 2010

Six new texting-while-driving bans go into effect this month as state officials try to reduce the number of car crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that in 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in accidents related to distracted driving and 500,000 others were injured. Enforcement is identified as a key factor in the effectiveness of these laws.

New GHSA Report: Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs

Governors Highway Safety Association

In 2010, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing their distracted driving efforts. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and American Samoa responded. The results of this survey are published in this report.

The report details a host of approaches states are implementing, including: stronger laws, increased data collection, new education programs, public/private partnerships and a growing reliance on new media to spread the message.

Do DWI laws work?

CityPages, June 9, 2010

One in seven Minnesotans has a drunk driving conviction. Are we any safer?

U of M study: People don't mind big brother

FOX 9 News, June 5, 2010

By the number of drivers who contest their traffic tickets, you'd think there'd be total disdain for the number of squad cars on the road. Not so. It turns out, perhaps the opposite. According to a new University of Minnesota national survey, people are more open to different kinds of enforcement to keep themselves and others safe.

Survey: More support road rules

USA Today, June 3, 2010

Americans strongly support public policies to reduce highway deaths, including some measures that many elected officials consider too restrictive, such as alcohol ignition interlocks and traffic enforcement cameras, according to new national survey by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota. "We were surprised by the level of support for these strategies," says Lee Munnich, director of the center.

More News Headlines

Safe Communities Newsletter

Safe Communities of Minnesota is a monthly e-mail newsletter created by Amy Roggenbuck, Community Health Liaison for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety–Office of Traffic Safety. It highlights Safe Communities initiatives throughout the state.

Latest Press Releases

Download press releases on traffic safety programs in Minnesota

August 20, 2010

Law enforcement to round up impaired drivers in end-of-summer DWI crackdown

August 17, 2010

Pedestrian Fatalities hit the 20-death milestone for year

August 13, 2010

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Bert Blyleven – Traffic Safety Action-Man!

August 10, 2010

July speed enforcement pulls over 27,628 speeders

August 10, 2010

Troopers in Southwest Minnesota Focus On Impaired Drivers during the Upcoming Enforcement Project

August 5, 2010

Distraction-free driving day: law enforcement turns focus to driver inattention

August 5, 2010

New texting and driving public service campaign showcases "deadly thumbs" and the texting "techniques"

August 2, 2010

Take action to stop distraction behind the wheel

July 20, 2010

State on pace for lowest traffic fatalities since 1944

July 13, 2010

Speeding drivers on the radar for July enforcement

July 6, 2010

June DWI Arrests: 125 busted in State's 13 "deadliest" counties for impaired driving

July 1, 2010

DWI Enforcer All-Stars to be honored at Target Field

June 30, 2010

Survey finds drivers mistakenly believe winter is most dangerous travel time

June 17, 2010

2009 Traffic Crash Report: MInnesota deaths lowest since 1944

May 27, 2010

Deadly 2009 Memorial Day weekend an alert for motorists

May 24, 2010

Fasten your seat belts—statewide enforcement clicks-off today

May 4, 2010

Vote Now for Best Teen-Produced Texting TV Spot

 

More Press Releases

Videos

Department of Public Safety Video

This Minnesota Department of Public Safety TV spot focuses on the importance of parents setting rules and reinforcing laws for their teen drivers. (2010, 0:31)

2009 TZD Conference Opening Session

Video overview of the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths program from its inception, including interviews with its founders and key stakeholders, shown during the opening session of the Minnesota TZD Conference in Duluth in October 2009. (2009, 9:59)

International Road Federation Award Acceptance

Video created for the 2010 TRB Annual Meeting awards banquet, at which the Minnesota TZD program was presented with an award from the International Road Federation. (2009; 2:36)