The recent rash of fatal auto accidents across Minnesota this spring raises a number of concerns regarding road safety, especially with teenage drivers. The Department of Public Safety reports that more than 100 people have died in auto accidents so far in 2010 -- exceeding the number of drivers killed last year for the same time period. An estimated 421 people died in all of 2009, when the 100-death mark came in May.

During the weekend of April 23-25, four different accidents claimed 11 lives. On April 23^rd, three teenage girls were killed when their pickup truck rolled into a ditch in Winona County. On April 24^th, another teen driver was killed when in Onamia when she was broadsided pulling onto Highway 169. On the morning of April 25^th, six people, including four teenagers were killed in a head-on collision in Cambridge. Later that evening, a driver who crashed into a bridge pillar on 35W in Bloomington was killed as well.

In speaking to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol explained that each accident had the same elements that he commonly sees in crashes involving teen drivers: not wearing seatbelts, not paying attention, driving too fast and alcohol involvement.

In the Cambridge accident, the 16 year-old-driver was driving in violation of Minnesota's graduated licensing law, which prohibits new drivers from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Also, it appeared that none of the four passengers in the car were wearing seatbelts. Authorities are further concerned that alcohol may have contributed to the accident. No one was wearing seatbelts in the Winona County accident, and authorities cite excessive speed in causing the Bloomington accident.

Efforts to Make Minnesota Roads Safer

In the last two years, the Legislature has taken several steps to keep roads safer in light of accidents involving teenagers. The graduated licensing law was a part of that effort. Minnesota now bans text messaging while driving, and requires all passengers to wear seatbelts. Seatbelt violations became a primary offense (where an officer may stop a vehicle and cite the driver) in June 2009.

In addition, bridges in Minnesota are undergoing some much needed repairs. Since the collapse of the 35W bridge in August of 2007, Minnesota has renewed focused on keeping its bridges safe. Many bridge repair projects were that previously put on hold due to a lack of funding, are now backed by federal stimulus money allowing them to continue.

What to do if Injured in an Accident

Injured parties may seek compensation for injuries suffered in an accident, even if they were not driving the vehicle. Some insurance policies cover passengers in the car. If you have been injured in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can assess your claim and advise you on what you are entitled to under Minnesota law.