Minnesota Sees Lowest Traffic Death Toll in Six Years Despite Thousands of DWI Arrests

Minnesota roads were safer in 2025 than they have been in years, according to newly released data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Sgt. Troy Christiansen highlighted the milestone during his latest “Ask a Trooper” segment.

Preliminary numbers show 370 people were killed in 349 fatal crashes statewide, marking the lowest traffic death total since 2019. That represents a 22% drop compared to 2024 and an 8% decrease from 2023, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

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September Was Minnesota’s Deadliest Traffic Month of the Year

While the overall trend moved in a positive direction, fatalities still spiked at certain points throughout the year.

September recorded the highest number of deaths with 50 fatalities, followed by July with 42, and May and April each with 35. December ended the year with 20 fatalities, one of the lower monthly totals.

Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths Remain a Concern Across Minnesota

Even with the overall decline, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists still face serious risks. In 2025: 57 motorcyclists were killed, 41 pedestrians were killed, and 14 bicyclists were killed

Christiansen noted that while motorcycle deaths improved year-over-year, bicycle fatalities increased. “Motorcycle deaths were 25 percent less than in 2024 and the lowest since 2019. Bicycle fatalities were twice as high as in 2024.”

Alcohol and Speed Still Lead Contributing Factors

Alcohol remained the top contributing factor in fatal crashes, followed closely by speed. State data shows 114 deaths involved alcohol, 98 were linked to speed, 70 involved unbelted occupants, and 21 were related to distracted driving

READ MORE: New Study Says MN Is One of the Safest States for Truck Drivers

Christiansen said several of these categories saw major improvements.

“Speed-related fatalities were 29 percent less than in 2024 and the lowest since 2019. Unbelted deaths were 31 percent less than in 2024 and the lowest in the past seven years. Distraction-related deaths were 30 percent less than in 2024 and the lowest in the past seven years.”

More Than 26,000 DWI Arrests Made in Minnesota in 2025

Despite fewer fatalities, impaired driving continues to be a major issue across Minnesota.

Law enforcement made 26,564 DWI arrests in 2025, averaging more than 2,200 arrests per month. August recorded the highest monthly total with 2,563 arrests.

Minnesota State Patrol Plans Increased Enforcement in 2026

Looking ahead, Christiansen said education alone is not enough.

“The Minnesota State Patrol remains committed to a dual-pronged approach for 2026. While public education on the dangers of speeding, impairment, and distraction is vital, it must be supported by extra enforcement.”

Officials say the goal is to continue pushing the fatal crash numbers lower while targeting the behaviors most often tied to deadly outcomes.