Despite fewer people on the roads, preliminary reports indicate 1,166 fatalities across the state.  That's an increase of 16-percent from the year prior. Cathy Chase, with Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, says there are a number of contributing factors, including distracted driving and drunk driving. She said too many people are still texting while driving, risky behavior and speeding.

The numbers are up even though highways have been emptier than usual, due to the pandemic. New safety equipment in cars also hasn’t been enough to overcome distractions while behind the wheel. Chase says younger drivers, especially younger male drivers, have accounted for a disproportionate number of the increased deaths.

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