Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - It has been a deadly year on Minnesota roads, and that is not just for those traveling in vehicles.

So far in 2021, 24 people have died while walking on Minnesota roads, and another 224 people have lost their lives in vehicle crashes. In an effort to reduce fatalities among people walking and improving safety for all travelers, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has launched a new statewide pedestrian safety campaign.

The theme for the campaign is 'Let's Move Safely Together', and it highlights safety tips to remind people to use extra caution when driving and walking. MnDOT tweeted a short video where Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addresses the state about moving together safely.

“One life lost on our roadways is too many. When we work as a team and watch out for each other, we can save lives and make progress Toward Zero Deaths,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “That means drivers need to slow down and stop for people crossing the road. When you’re walking, look all ways before crossing and stay alert because people driving may not see you.”

Injury from workout concept : Asian man use hands hold on his ankle while running on road in the park. Focus on ankle.
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MnDOT's website is full of safety tips for those driving and walking, and a friendly reminder on what is supposed to happen at a crosswalk:

  • Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.
  • Pedestrians must obey traffic-control signals at all intersections that have them.
  • Pedestrians must obey pedestrian control signals.
  • Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.
  • Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian must abide by before entering the crosswalk; use common sense.
  • When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.
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According to a news release from MnDOT, Minnesotans will see and hear the pedestrian safety campaign on MnDOT's social media channels among other mediums now through October.

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