Report: Increase In 2015 North Carolina Traffic Fatalities

The number of people killed in traffic accidents in North Carolina rose sharply last year. The statistic has also gone up nationwide.

Numbers released this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation reveal that the state had 1,379 traffic fatalities in 2015, which is a nearly 7 and a half percent increase from the previous year.

Alcohol-related deaths increased by over 13 percent.

The Charlotte Observer reports the number of traffic fatalities nationwide was up 7.2 percent. That's the largest increase in 50 years, reversing decades of declining fatalities.

Officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says job growth and low fuel prices have gotten more people on the road, contributing to higher fatality rates.

The agency says that almost half of the passengers killed in vehicle accidents weren't wearing seat belts.