ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The number of deadly accidents in Orange County has almost double from this time last year, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Officials are trying to figure out why they have seen an uptick in the amount of fatal crashes.
In May of last year, Orange County had 31 fatal crashes.
“Right now, we are at 59 fatal crashes in Orange County alone and last year we didn't reach that 59th fatal crash until Oct. 4,” said Kim Montes, spokeswoman for the Florida Highway Patrol.
As the number of cases continue to rise, the workload for the Florida Highway Patrol has as well.
“We are still trying to wrap up 2015 cases. Now we have seen such a spike so these investigators are not working on older cases they are going to new scenes,” Montes said.
There is not one particular reason for the uptick in fatal crashes this year, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Additionally, the number of hit-and-run crashes are up in the Orange County, as well.
“As Memorial Day approaches the summer, which is the deadliest time of the year for teens, we want drivers to realize and pay attention and not get involved in a crash and not be a victim,” Montes said.