Some disturbing news comes our way courtesy of the Massachusetts Highway Safety division. Last year in 2021, motor vehicle crash fatalities in Massachusetts reached their highest level in years.

More people died on Massachusetts roads in 2021 than any year since 2009. That's a pretty grim statistic, but what were the reasons why? As it turns out, several different factors played a part.

Get our free mobile app

According to the Massachusetts Highway Safety division, the number of people who died on Massachusetts roads last year climbed to 390, which is 63 more deaths than 2020. That's also the highest total in a single year since 2009.

The preliminary data from Mass. Highway Safety also shows some interesting reasons why the number of road deaths is rising. The two biggest causes for the high number of fatalities are speeding and fewer people using their seatbelts. That's right. The use of seatbelts is decreasing.

The Highway Safety agency, which is a division of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, also reports that another reason for the high number of was more motorcycle deaths.

Apparently, according to AAA Northeast, drivers in the Bay State are less likely to buckle up. Part of the reason for that is seatbelt laws in Massachusetts are a little more lax than in other states.

The Massachusetts Highway Safety division wrote on their Facebook page, "Please slow down, buckle up and look twice to save a life." Great words of advice indeed. Together, let's turn this rising trend around.

LOOK: Things from the year you were born that don't exist anymore

The iconic (and at times silly) toys, technologies, and electronics have been usurped since their grand entrance, either by advances in technology or breakthroughs in common sense. See how many things on this list trigger childhood memories—and which ones were here and gone so fast you missed them entirely.

Gallery Credit: Stacey Marcus

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff

LOOK: Here are the best small towns to live in across America

CHECK IT OUT: See the 100 most popular brands in America

More From WNAW AM