In 2025, overall traffic fatalities in Minnesota declined more than 20 percent, according to the annual Advisory Council on Traffic Safety (ACTS) report. The decline has been attributed to a combination of first responder work, road safety infrastructure investments and focused enforcement.
The report details the results of programs focused on reducing overall traffic fatalities, and highlights successful traffic safety efforts and programs along with areas that need improvement.
“Everything we do is about preventing the crashes that instantly change lives, and it takes a coordinated effort to make sure everyone makes it home safely,” ACTS Chairman Brian Sorenson said. “Last year reinforced that there are things we can do to help save lives. Now is the time to take stock and really push forward with the lifesaving interventions that we know can reduce the risk of these crashes.”
There were 370 deaths as of Dec. 1, 2025, the lowest number since 2019. The largest four traffic behaviors that cause fatalities – driving impaired, distracted driving, speeding and unbelted drivers – saw declines.
Minnesota is the fourth safest state for traffic fatalities when adjusted for the number of vehicle miles traveled.
ACTS is a coalition of Minnesota’s departments of health, public safety and transportation, and traffic safety agencies and organizations.