Traffic fatalities by county as of December 2nd. Photo from Iowa State Patrol.

Three people have died in traffic accidents in Washington County so far this year. According to the Iowa State Patrol there have been 363 traffic fatalities in Iowa this year, 72 more than this time last year. That’s an increase of nearly 25%.

Only 11 of Iowa’s 99 counties have not had a traffic fatality in 2016. Keokuk and Jefferson County have each had one, there were two deaths in Louisa County, five in Henry County, eight in Iowa County and 14 traffic fatalities from January 1st to December 2nd in Johnson County.

The Iowa State Patrol is reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, drive sober and don’t be distracted behind the wheel.