N.H. Road Fatalities Up in 2012; Authorities Urge Drivers to Slow Down

Traffic fatalities have spiked in New Hampshire, prompting authorities to urge drivers to slow down and avoid dangerous activities such as texting and talking on cell phones.

Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes says there have been 71 fatal crashes so far in New Hampshire this year, compared to 54 during the same period last year. The crashes resulted in the deaths of 77 people, compared to 57 last year at this time.

Barthelmes said the number of reportable crashes so far this year totals over 15,000, compared to over 17,500 for the same period last year.