The Department of Public Safety reports 301 people have died on Minnesota roads since January 1.

According to department spokespeople, 313 people had died in traffic crashes by this time last year.

Two of the most recent deaths happened in the Northland. One involved a woman who was killed when she struck a truck crossing a highway in Crow Wing county. Another involved a distracted driver that hit and killed a pedestrian in Itasca County.

Authorities say that alcohol, distraction, speed, and no seat belts contributed to the loss of life. Preliminary information shows:

-79 alcohol-related deaths (26 percent)
-26 distracted-related deaths (9 percent)
-60 speed-related deaths (20 percent)
-60 unbelted motorist deaths (20 percent)

Extra DWI enforcement is set to run on weekends and holidays from November 27 through December 28.

To read the original story and read related articles, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website.  https://kbjr6.com/news/top-stories/2019/10/29/2019-traffic-deaths-surpass-300-on-minnesota-roads/