This past weekend was a sad one. Ten Minnesotans, including seven teens, died in three separate weekend crashes.

In Cambridge, six were killed in a two-car crash early Sunday when an Oldsmobile Bravada and a Pontiac Grand Am struck head on. Five were in the Grand Am; four of them died. The driver of the Bravada and his passenger were also killed.

In Winona County, three teenage girls died when a truck rolled into a ditch Friday. The teens and a 12-year-old girl were thrown from the vehicle.

In Onamia, a 16-year-old girl died in a two-vehicle crash Saturday evening.

Traffic deaths have been too common in Minnesota this year.

Before this past weekend, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the deadliest period was March 14-24 when at least 10 people died in traffic crashes. From Jan. 12-22, eight people were killed.

While many Minnesota traffic deaths are partially caused by bad winter weather, the incidents this past weekend are a reminder that crashes can happen anytime, anywhere.

In addition, we’re coming up on the end of the school year and summer, which means proms, late afternoon barbecues, family reunions — all recipes for disaster if coupled with irresponsible driving.

We hope this disturbing trend of state-wide traffic deaths decreases — or better yet — stops in the near future — and it all begins with good judgment.