Officials concerned about the rise in traffic fatalities

Considering the new accident statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers in Massachusetts might want to be more cautious on the roads. According to the agency, nationwide traffic fatalities increased more than 7 percent in 2015. This was the largest one-year increase since 1966. The total number of deaths in 2015 was 35,092.

According to experts, the increased fatality rate was partially caused by more drivers being on the road. An improved economy with more jobs as well as lower fuel costs led to the 3.5 percent uptick in road traffic in 2015. Experts also say that distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving and failure to wear seat belts were all factors in the deaths.