Ohio traffic deaths rise in 2012 after record low

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The State Highway Patrol says the number of people killed on Ohio roads rose in 2012 compared with the record low reported the previous year.

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, which was 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.

A patrol spokeswoman says it's too soon to tell why the number of fatalities rose. The increase occurred even as state troopers made thousands more stops for drug violations, impaired driving and seat belt usage.