2010 Minn. traffic deaths expected to match 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Public safety officials expect

Minnesota's 2010 traffic death toll to match 2009's low count.

According to preliminary records, at least 410 people were

killed on Minnesota roads in 2010.

The state Department of Public Safety projects the final 2010

count to be around 420 deaths. That's on par with 2009's total of

421, the lowest number of annual traffic deaths in Minnesota since

1944.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion credits legislation

such as the primary seat belt law and traffic safety campaigns for

fewer road deaths in recent years.

Campion says Minnesota has cut its annual road deaths by more

than 200 since just eight years ago.

Final crash numbers will be released early this summer.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Tags: traffic deaths, minnesota, accidents