Spencer, IA (KICD)– 2023 ended up being a deadly year on Iowa roads.

State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull tells KICD News the numbers as of Thursday morning have the state hitting the most deaths in traffic related incidents in the last five years with 377 people losing their lives.

Trooper Krull says a majority of the crashes are believed to related to two pieces: speed and distractions.

Krull adds that these bad habits that many drivers develop over time effect more than just themselves in fact younger people, like our kids, are more than likely watching and ultimately end up developing similar habits as they grow.