As I written about in the past, Minnesota highway deaths were historically low in 2010. This is great news. But, drunk driving still plays way too much of a role in the deaths that did take place. Last year, 131 motorists died in alcohol-related crashes in Minnesota last year. That’s 21 percent lower than the number five years ago. As compared to 2009 it is better then the 141 people who died and 2,592 people who were injured in alcohol-related crashes.
The good news is that the overall numbers are dropping. But, drinking still accounts for a third of all Minnesota highway deaths. Hopefully, the ongoing eduction about drinking and driving will see this number continue to drop.
The numbers suggest problems that law enforcement and maybe the legislature could further address. It may require another look at the joint and several laws. When the recent law was revised, bars were granted reduced liability when they serve a drunk and the drunk causes a tragedy. It’s time that the law change be revisited.
