After several years of declines, traffic deaths in Minnesota increased in 2007. Preliminary numbers show 503 people died on Minnesota roads last year. That is up from 494 deaths the year before, which was a 60-year low. The 2007 numbers will likely increase as the state continues to receive reports.
Cheri Marti with the Office of Traffic Safety says the preliminary numbers include 12 of the 13 people killed in the I-35W bridge collapse and six who died in the southeastern Minnesota floods.
"These were highly unusual events that pushed those numbers up. And, in the absence of these catastrophes we would basically be nearly even with last year."
Marty, who directs Minnesota's Office of Traffic Safety, spoke with "All Things Considered" host Steven John about the report.