Fact Sheets

MINNESOTA TRAFFIC FACTS Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for Minnesotans age 1-34. In 2011, there were 349 traffic deaths in Minnesota, the lowest number since 1944. Safety belt use by front seat drivers and passengers reached 93% in 2011. The traffic death rate in Minnesota per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is one of the lowest in the nation. For most current detailed information, see Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 2010 from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. CRASH DYNAMICS During a motor vehicle crash, three collisions happen: 1. The Vehicle's Collision This is what happens at the point of impact, whether it comes from the front, back or side. The vehicle begins stopping as soon as it collides with an object such as another vehicle, wall or tree. 2. The Human Collision At the moment of impact (whether you are driving or not), you will be moving at the same speed as the car. If you are unbelted, whatever is in front of you (ie. steering wheel, windshield, front seat, another person, etc.) will stop you from moving. The human collision is the one that causes injury. 3. The Human Body's Internal Collision Even after you come to a complete stop, your internal organs continue moving forward. Suddenly, these organs collide with other organs. This collision can cause considerable and potentially fatal injury. With any of these collisions, you and your passengers have the best chance of reducing or avoiding injury if everyone is buckled up. And it’s the law: Everyone in every seating position in the vehicle must be buckled up or riding in an approved child passenger safety restraint.

Acknowledgments:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration