32 people have died in motor vehicle accidents in Maine so far this year.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety issued a report Monday showing that traffic fatalities in January and February were higher than they were at the same time in 2021, which was one of the safest years on record.

There were 27 deaths in the first two months of 2022, compared to 18 deaths in January and February of 2021. There were a total of 153 fatalities in 2021.

The Maine Department of Public Safety says unsafe and illegal speeds, reckless driving, alcohol and drug-impaired driving, as well as a lack of seatbelt use, are apparent contributing factors in motor vehicle deaths.

Lauren Stewart, Director of the Bureau of Highway Safety, reminds drivers to be cautious and slow down. She also says you should be a defensive driver who is always on alert, to buckle up, and to report other motorists who are impaired or driving recklessly.