SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — South Dakota had record-low traffic deaths last year, according to State Public Safety Director Craig Price.
There were 103 traffic deaths in 2019, breaking the record low of 111 set in 2011.
These are preliminary numbers, but Price said he’s sure they’ll hold up.
“That’s good news, but the bad news with that is even one roadway fatality is one too many,” Price said. “Our goal would be to get that to zero.”
Still, Price says he’s encouraged to see safety messages and enforcement efforts have a positive impact in the state.
The department began keeping records in 1947. Price says recent data shows the state’s roadway fatality numbers are on a downward trend.
“I think when you look at those long-term trends, that is very indicative that we’re doing some good things in South Dakota,” Price said. “I think that the people that travel our highways are paying attention and making better choices.”
Price said South Dakota has the lowest five-year average for motor vehicle fatalities of any state in the U.S.
(KELO.com’s Mark Russo and Jody Heemstra, Dakota Radio Group, contributed to this report.)
