Thursday is “Maroon Day” on the highways

The Minnesota State Patrol is increasing trooper presence on highways on June 30, which is historically the deadliest day on Minnesota roads.

In an effort to curb traffic fatalities, the State Patrol is putting every state trooper (almost 600 troopers) and commercial vehicle inspector on patrol for one day, Maroon Day.

Since 2000, more fatal crashes have occurred on June 30 than any other day of the year. There have been 30 fatal crashes resulting in 35 deaths. Maroon Day leads into the dangerous Fourth of July holiday travel weekend.

The Patrol emphasizes it’s more important than ever for drivers to pay attention, buckle up and not to drink and drive. To-date in 2011 there have been 130 traffic deaths, compared to 166 at this time last year.  In 2010, 411 people were killed on Minnesota roads.