LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. — Ronald Lott has been with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's office for nearly 30 years, and has served the last three and a half as road patrol captain.

What You Need To Know

  • The state Comptroller's Office recently released a report showing an increased amount of fatal motor vehicle crashes

  • The report states the number rose 25.8% from 2019-2022

  • The national rate also climbed 17% during the same time period

His is one of hundreds of rural communities across New York state with wide open roads and higher speed limits.

"With the open roads, it gives people the opportunity to, you know, probably go a little bit faster than they should," said Lott.

With that comes an increased risk for fatal car accidents, as outlined in a new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, with the North Country leading the state with a nearly 13% increase.

The report says the overall number of fatal motor vehicle crashes rose to nearly 26% from 2019 to 2022, despite fewer people being on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You had more people working from home, but the accidents have actually gone up during that time, so I think New Yorkers need to be aware there's a number of drivers engaging in risky behavior since the pandemic," said Matt Ryan, deputy press secretary, New York State Comptroller's Office.

In 2022 alone, when drivers were sharing roads again, there was a record 1,175 traffic fatalities, the highest number since 2013.

“That is hard to hear,” said Lott. “We know the impact on patrolmen [and] we know the impact on the families, obviously.”

DiNapoli's office cites a number of other reasons for the spike, including drivers who were distracted, under the influence or not wearing a seat belt.

"Just jarring numbers,” said Ryan. “It's providing data to policy makers so they can make better decisions for folks on the road.”

As a record number of people are expected to hit the road this holiday,  Lott has some common-sense advice to help play it safe and throw the deadly trend in reverse.

"Take your time to get to your destination, stay off your cellular devices, obey the speed limits [and] obviously don't drink and drive," said Lott.

Additional police patrols are expected across the state throughout the holiday.

The number of traffic related deaths nationwide also soared during that same time period to nearly 17%.