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Multiple factors contribute to rise in 2014 traffic deaths

Traffic fatalities in the First State were up in 2014.

From January 1 until December 22 last year traffic fatalities rose in the First State by 25 percent - going from 99 deaths in 2013 to 124.

Alcohol and safety belt use continued to play a large role in the numbers.

58 deaths - nearly half the total - were alcohol-related - up by 12 over the previous year.

80 casualties were occupants of passenger vehicles - and failure to use a seat belt was a factor in 35 of those deaths.

Multiple-fatality incidents also contributed to the rise – rising to 80 from 53 in 2013.

27 pedestrians, 15 motorcyclists and 2 bicyclists were also killed in vehicle crashes.

2013 National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration data has shown a trend downward in fatal crashes, deaths and injuries across the country - and early estimates of 2014's first quarter show that trend continuing.

National data for 2014 accident deaths is not yet available.

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