In the last two weeks, Rice County Judges have sentenced two people for traffic deaths. One was caused by the driver’s excessive alcohol consumption, and one was caused by grossly negligent driving conduct of the driver.
Often in these cases people react to the sentences as being too low, some claim they are too high and that prison is not appropriate for such an offense. The law does not differentiate between grossly negligent driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol and causing the death of another. Both face a maximum of 10 years in prison, and for someone with no felony criminal history, a presumptive sentence of 48 months in prison.
This Father’s Day weekend saw 11 traffic deaths in Minnesota. Five of those killed were riding motorcycles, five more were in cars, and one pedestrian was killed. In two of the crashes alcohol is suspected, two more involved drugs. At least one of the people who died was not wearing a seatbelt.
This summer has seen 33 traffic deaths in Minnesota since Memorial Day weekend. The 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day are the deadliest days for traffic deaths in Minnesota.
Since the first of year 146 people have died on Minnesota roads. Of those, 19 were on motorcycles and of those only four were wearing helmets. 13 pedestrians have died on Minnesota roads so far this year. Two bicyclists have also been killed on the roads so far this year. At this time last year there had been 137 traffic deaths.
Traffic safety is the responsibility of everyone on the road. Motorcyclists and bikers can reduce the risk of injury by wearing bright colors and helmets. Keep an eye out for other traffic to give them enough room and in case they don’t see you.
Motorists should wear seat belts at all times, and look twice to be sure another vehicle is not on a collision course. Speed and alcohol create a risk of harm to the driver, passengers and everyone else on the road.
During a two-week enforcement wave, officers issued 6,684 seat belt tickets throughout the state and 147 child seat violations. These tickets may seem like a nuisance to the persons ticketed, but they are intended to protect all of us. Seatbelts and helmets have been proven to reduce injuries. Modern cars are a safety cage but function best when the occupants stay in place, colliding with the dashboard or being tossed about increases the likelihood of injury.
There will be more enforcement waves through the year for seat belts, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence. Don’t let your summer be ruined by a crash or a ticket you could have avoided. Don’t drink and drive, and use the safety equipment your vehicle was designed with. Keep an eye out for other vehicles and be sure that you can be seen. Don’t become a summer statistic.
