Spike in New Mexico Traffic Deaths in August

New Mexico saw a spike in traffic fatalities in August as a deadly crash involving a passenger bus and a semi-trailer killed nine people.

Preliminary data compiled by the state Transportation Department and the University of New Mexico shows more than 40 people died on the state’s roadways last month. That’s more than any previous month this year and more than the same month in 2016 and 2017.

New Mexico also recorded three alcohol-related traffic deaths in August, marking the lowest monthly total so far this year.

In all, 60 alcohol-related traffic deaths have been recorded over the last eight months. That’s far less than the same period during previous two years.

Authorities continue to investigate the Aug. 30 bus crash. They say the semi-trailer smashed into the bus after the tread on its front left tire separated.