State reports spike in traffic fatalities

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Officials in New Hampshire say they have seen a spike in traffic deaths ahead of the holiday season.

WMUR-TV reports the Office of Highway Safety says there have been 142 traffic deaths so far this year, compared to 102 deaths in 2017. The office also reported a 38 percent increase in the number of crashes.

Highway Safety Commander Capt. William Haynes says there have been seven traffic fatalities over the past week, including a fatal crash at a Dover toll plaza that killed a 39-year-old man.

He says the majority of fatalities have involved drugs or alcohol.

Haynes is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads and give extra time to get to a destination.

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Information from: WMUR-TV, http://wmur.com