SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - There were 115 traffic fatalities in South Dakota last year, the lowest in 5 years and the second lowest since 1960
Highway Safety Director Lee Axdahl says it's a 14 percent decrease from a year earlier.
Axdahl says the number of fatal crashes was also down from 116 in 2015 to 102 last year. He says most fatal accidents happened in rural South Dakota.
He says most people would think that most fatal accidents happen on the interstates with the higher speed limits. But he says that's where drivers are keeping their eyes on the road, they buckle up and travel long distances.
Axdahl says most fatalities come during short trips out in rural South Dakota.
Fatalities related to both speed and alcohol were up slightly while almost 70% of those who died were not wearing seatbelts.
Highway Patrol Colonel Craig Price says "seatbelts save lives and many people understand that. But we want to make sure more people buckle up all the time. That is not just drivers, but passengers as well."
Troopers were told last month to begin issuing citations for any vehicle occupant not wearing a seatbelt.