Summertime is the deadliest on Minnesota roads, although the highest number of crashes occur during the winter, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety.
While many of the same issues that plague drivers in warmer months – speeding, distracted and/or impaired driving and failing to wear seat belts – are present during the winter, adding snow, ice and hazardous road conditions to the mix only increases the likelihood of a crash.
There are several precautions motorists can take to help stay safe while on the roads this winter:
• Prepare your vehicle (check tires, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, emergency kit)
• Practice caution (Increase following distance behind car ahead, avoid sudden braking & steering movements)
• Watch for black ice (common on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas, if you encounter black ice ease off the accelerator and steer gently)
• Use headlights wisely (keep them clear of snow and make sure they’re on during low visibility)
• Stay alert (watch for plows, be cautious of pedestrians and other vehicles
• Plan ahead (Check weather and road conditions before leaving, allow extra travel time)
As a part of the Rice County Safe Roads Coalition, the Fatal Review Committee meets quarterly. Its membership includes the Southeast Minnesota and Rice County TZD coordinators; representatives from law enforcement; emergency medical services; fire service; the County Attorney’s office; city, county and district highway engineers; Public Health and highway maintenance.
These reviews help the committee establish crash trends, make recommendations to improve roadway safety and educate motorists to further reduce crashes and the injuries they cause, supporting the Minnesota TZD mission: “to create a culture for which traffic fatalities and serious injuries are no longer acceptable through the integrated application of education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency medical and trauma services. These efforts will be driven by data, best practices and research.”
In 2025, there were four fatalities and 23 individuals seriously injured on Rice County roads, significantly less than in 2000 when there were 20 fatalities.
Recent educational efforts have been directly toward teen and older drivers – both which have a higher incidence of traffic crashes.
“It’s not just about numbers,” said Rice County Public Health Director Deb Purfeerst, “Any fatal crash is tragic and Coalition members’ thoughts are always with families and loved ones, with the goal of reducing fatal crashes to zero."
For more information about the Rice County Safe Roads Coalition, contact Grace Pint, Rice County Safe Roads Coalition Coordinator.
Grace Pint, Rice County TZD Coordinator
Grace.Pint@RiceCountyMN.gov
507-384-6453
