Joey Marshall Williams, a 58-year-old Minneapolis resident, tragically lost his life due to multiple blunt force injuries after being struck by a vehicle while walking along East Old Shakopee Road, near the Minnesota River backwaters ¹. The Bloomington Police Department reported the fatal incident at approximately 10:50 p.m., and Williams was swiftly taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he succumbed to his injuries within an hour ². His passing is one of the nine traffic-related fatalities that have occurred in Minnesota within the last week, highlighting the growing concern about road safety in the state ³.
Minnesota has seen a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with 45 people having died in fatal crashes as of Tuesday, compared to 23 at the same time last year, according to the Office of Traffic Safety ¹. This surge in fatalities is attributed to riskier driving habits, particularly during the warmer months, when higher speeds and more energy in collisions result in more deaths on the roads ¹. The leading months for fatal crashes in Minnesota are July, September, and August, with an average of about 49 traffic fatalities each month ¹. In contrast, January and February averaged 20 fatalities during the same period ¹.
The main factors contributing to the increased risk of fatalities are speed, impaired driving, distracted driving, and driving without a seatbelt ¹. Speed is a critical factor, as it takes away time and distance, making it challenging to react and prevent crashes when driving too fast ¹. Impaired driving is another significant concern, with an unusually large portion of fatal crashes this year involving drivers under the influence ¹. As of February 15, 10 crashes involved drivers under the influence, compared to three at the same point last year ¹.
To address the growing concern of traffic fatalities, the Office of Traffic Safety emphasizes the importance of developing good, smart driving habits, such as buckling up, following speed limits, and planning ahead for a sober ride home or a safe place to stay if drinking or using substances that can impair ¹. By working together, we can reverse the current trend and make our roads safer.
In the context of Minnesota’s traffic safety, there has been a significant decrease in traffic-related deaths since the Toward Zero Deaths program began in 2003 ³. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a spike in deaths on Minnesota’s roadways, with 394 deaths reported in 2020, compared to 364 in 2019 ³. Although the numbers for 2023 indicate a potential downturn, it is too early to tell if this trend will continue ³.
Minnesota has seen an increase in traffic fatalities, with 488 deaths reported in 2021, but a slight reprieve in 2022, with 446 fatalities ³. The state is working to make roads safer, with funding for traffic safety improvements being adequate, and federal funding available to support roadway improvements ³. Theories suggest that enforcement issues and more free time for motorists to speed on less crowded roadways may have contributed to the increase in deaths on Minnesota’s roadways ³.
In conclusion, Joey Marshall Williams’ tragic passing serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their actions on the road. The growing concern about traffic fatalities in Minnesota highlights the need for continued efforts to make our roads safer, and by working together, we can reduce the number of lives lost on our roads.
