Report: Increase in 2015 North Carolina traffic fatalities

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Recent data shows the number of people killed in traffic accidents in North Carolina rose sharply last year.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the figures released Monday by the US Department of Transportation reveal that the state had 1,379 traffic fatalities in 2015, which is a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year.

The 411 alcohol-related deaths were up 13.2 percent.

DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says job growth and low fuel prices increased driving, contributing to higher fatality rates.

The number of US traffic fatalities also rose 7.2 percent last year, the largest increase since 1966.

Data shows more than 35,000 people died nationwide in traffic crashes in 2015.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)