S.D. State Fatality Rate High

The death rate on South Dakota roads last year improved slightly. At 2.2 fatalities for every 100 million miles driven, the death rate fell 4 percent. But it was significantly higher than the national average of 1.5 percent.

Crashes claimed 186 lives last year in South Dakota.

Another 6,212 people were injured, and property damage was estimated at $76 million.

A new report from the South Dakota Highway Safety Office says 26 percent of drivers in fatal accidents last year were drinking. Seventy-four people were killed in alcohol-related crashes