HIGHWAY DEATHS RISING

Fewer people had died on Minnesota highways in the first half of this year compared to last and Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Curt Mowers said he earlier expected this to be a year of decreasing death on the roadway. That has changed. Mowers said as of Monday, November 26th, 446 people have died on Minnesota roadways during calendar year 2007. 2006 crashes claimed 415 people by this time last year. Mowers said the year began so well, many had their hopes up that this year would show a downward trend. So far this year, 48 motorcyclists have died in crashes so far as compared to 53 last year. 30 pedestrians have died in crashes this year compared to 32 last year at this time.