Motor vehicles deaths in Connecticut jumped 14 percent in 2015. The National Safety Council said that puts the state ahead of the national increase of 8 percent.
According to preliminary numbers, 283 people died in 2015, compared to 249 in 2014. In terms of percentage increase, that ranks Connecticut 13th overall.
The National Safety Council says lower gas prices and an improving economy are behind the increase in traffic deaths, as well as drivers taking safety for granted. Nationally, the 2015 deaths were the largest year-over-year percent increase in 50 years.
The NSC estimates 38,300 people were killed on U.S. roads, and 4.4 million were seriously injured, meaning 2015 was likely the deadliest driving year since 2008.
