WASHINGTON D.C.: Unsafe driving was the cause of a 13-year high in U.S. traffic deaths, according to officials.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) reported this week that 38,680 people died on U.S. roads in 2020. This represented a 7.2 percent increase, or nearly 2,600 more road fatalities than in 2019, even as Americans drove 13 percent fewer miles, data showed.

Officials said the fatality rate hit 1.37 deaths per 100 million miles, the highest figure since 2006.

Traffic officials said the behaviors that caused this increase included impaired driving, speeding and failure to wear seat belts.

Deaths involving motorists not wearing seat belts were up 15 percent, speeding related deaths jumped by 10 percent and fatal crashes involving alcohol rose 9 percent.

Michigan said traffic deaths in the state rose 10 percent in 2020 to the highest number since 2007, even as crashes and injuries each fell 22 percent.

“We intend to use all available tools to reverse these trends and reduce traffic fatalities and injuries,” said acting NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff, as quoted by Reuters.

In an open letter to drivers in January, NHTSA said “fewer Americans drove, but those who did took more risks and had more fatal crashes. … It’s irresponsible and illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which not only puts your life at risk, but the lives of others.”

Data suggests a higher number of serious crashes last year involved drug or alcohol use, than in previous years.