Traffic deaths in Minnesota surpass 200 for the year

The number of deaths on Minnesota roads surpassed the 200 mark over the weekend, the state's Office of Traffic Safety said.

As of Tuesday, 203 people had died in crashes. which is 23 fewer than at this time last year. In 2016, the state recorded its 200th death on July 25.

This year's deaths include 144 people in motor vehicles, 32 motorcyclists, 20 pedestrians, one bicyclist and six people in other types of vehicles.

Alcohol was cited as a factor in 52 deaths, while speed was attributed as a factor in 48. Motorists not wearing seat belts accounted for 41 deaths, while distracted driving accounted for seven, the Department of Public Safety said.

Of the 203 deaths, 148 (73 percent) were men and 55 (27 percent) were women.

Preliminary numbers from the past year show that 392 people were killed in traffic crashes in Minnesota then, the Office of Traffic Safety said.