'A Cause For Concern': Already 100 Fatalities On Minn. Roads In 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In the first 120 days of 2016, 100 people have lost their lives in traffic crashes on Minnesota roads, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Calling the numbers a "cause for concern", the DPS says distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat belts played a significant role in the traffic deaths.

"How many times have you looked down at your phone, went too fast because you were late for an appointment, told yourself you were okay to drive because you only had a few beers or decided not to buckle up because you weren't going that far," Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director, said. "Now ask yourself, is doing any of that worth dying for and leaving your loved ones with a lifetime of grief? By recommitting ourselves to safe driving habits, we can join together in making our roads safe everyone."

Of the 100 fatalities reported to date, the DPS says six were motorcyclists, 12 were pedestrians and one bicyclist.

The year 2015 was also a deadly year for traffic crashes. It marked the first time in five years that road fatalities passed the 400 mark (411).