Fatal crashes were on the decline in Minnesota for years before the 2020 pandemic. But over the past few years, they’ve spiked as more people are speeding and driving recklessly. In 2021, Minnesota had 361 deaths in traffic crashes statewide. That’s the most since 2007. 

And Minnesota is not unique. Since 2020, fatal crashes have been on the rise around the nation. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what is causing this increase in fatal crashes, and what we can do to make our roads safer. 

Guests:

• Brian Sorenson is the state traffic engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and director of MnDOT’s Office of Traffic Engineering. He is also the co-chair of Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths. 




• Colonel Matt Langer is the chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.




• David Hurwitz is a professor at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He is also the Director of the Kiewit Center for Infrastructure and Transportation Research.