The High Cost of Fuel Means Fewer Fatalities

Despite two fatal auto accidents in the area this weekend, year to date the number is lower. Sergent Curt Mowers of the Brainerd office of the Minnesota State Patrol tells KLKS news, there are more than 30 fewer fatalities state-wide this year compared to last. Last year at this time there were 235. This year there have been 202.
Mowers says higher gasoline prices have resulted in fewer cars on the road. Further, he says those on the road are driving slower to conserve fuel.
He also says, there are more fuel efficient motorcycles on the road, however, the number of fatalities is the same as last year.
There are more bicycles on the road as well. Mowers says last year at this time there were no bicycle fatalities, this year there have been two. He says helmet use has been high. The State Patrol is urging bicycle riders to stay off the roads, and take trails or designated shoulders when they can. If they have to ride on the road surface, riders are required to ride with the traffic.