The State Highway Patrol says the number of people killed on
The patrol reported 1,056 confirmed traffic deaths in 962 fatal crashes during the past year. That's up from 1,015 deaths in 2011 -- the lowest total since record-keeping began in 1936.
There are also at least 45 unconfirmed cases, which include those that are under investigation and may not be ruled as traffic fatalities. That makes the potential total about 1,100 fatalities for the year.
The increase occurred even as state troopers made thousands more stops for drug violations, impaired driving and seat belt usage.
