West Lebanon — New Hampshire and Vermont police are urging motorists this Labor Day weekend to plan ahead, slow down and eliminate distractions in an attempt to cut down on the number of motor vehicle fatalities, which are on the rise this year.

Eighty-four people died on New Hampshire roadways through August, up from 65 in 2015, a 29 percent increase.

Across the Connecticut River, 41 people have been killed on Vermont roads since Jan. 1, compared to 33 people over the same period last year, a 24 percent increase.

Vermont and New Hampshire aren’t alone when it comes to an increase in traffic crash deaths. Recent National Safety Council estimates show 19,100 people were killed on roads across the United States in the first six months of this year, up roughly 9 percent over the same period last year.

Exactly why the number of traffic fatalities has increased remains a mystery. But traffic experts in both states this week said there are a number of factors that could be contributing.

They start nationally, New Hampshire State Police Highway Safety Commander Capt. Matthew Shapiro said.

When the economy is on the rise and gas prices are low, more people tend to be driving on the roadways, which can impact the number of fatalities, Shapiro said.

In addition, driving under the influence, speeding and lack of seat belt use also contribute, he added.

Because New Hampshire doesn’t have a mandatory seat belt law for adults, state officials report lower compliance rates than other states.

About 74 percent of motorists in New Hampshire buckled up in 2014, compared to 84 percent in Vermont, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Oftentimes, a fair number of traffic-related deaths could have been avoided had the operator or passengers buckled up, Shapiro said.

Another major factor that contributes to roadway fatalities is distracted driving, including drivers who use electronic devices while behind the wheel, said Vermont State Police Lt. John Flannigan, commander of the traffic safety unit.

Though the number of crashes that resulted in fatalities has increased in the Twin States, Flannigan and Shapiro both said the overall number of traffic crashes in have stayed about the same.

Both Vermont and New Hampshire state police issued news releases ahead of the holiday weekend, urging drivers to slow down, buckle up and plan a safe way home in advance.

“Our troopers are committed to ensuring safe travel throughout the state and will continue our efforts to reduce collisions and motor vehicle-related deaths during this upcoming weekend,” New Hampshire State Police Lt. Jeff Ladieu said in the release. “Saving lives on our roadways is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it.”

Vermont State Police have kicked off a campaign specific for this weekend. Operation Combined Accident Reduction Enforcement, or C.A.R.E, is an initiative with the goal of zero crashes, injuries and fatalities on Vermont roadways between today and Monday.

Enforcement and education are just two ways police in both states are working to make the roads safer — this weekend and always.

“Impaired driving remains a significant problem on our highways. Every impaired driver is capable of taking an innocent life and the Vermont State Police will aggressively pursue and arrest these offenders,” Major Walt Goodell, Vermont’s field force commander, said in the release. “To help ensure a successful and safe holiday weekend, troopers will also engage in visible patrols.”

“We are preaching personal responsibility,” Flannigan said. “Especially if you plan on consuming alcohol, have a plan to get safely to your destination.”

Jordan Cuddemi can be reached at jcuddemi@vnews.com or 603-727-3248.