BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)- Across the nation, highway fatalities are at a sixty year low. But this year, the number of deaths related in Alabama highway accidents has gone up.

"We saw little bit of an increase in Alabama, an extra 14 fatalities compared to the year before," says Clay Ingram, with AAA.

Clay Ingram with AAA of Alabama, contributes that rise to distracted drivers.

"Distraction come in a lot of different forms, it can be anything from billboards, to other cars on the road, changing the radio station, eating and drinking and then or course texting."

Thousands die each year from texting while driving. Ingram believes there should be a stiffer law here in Alabama to crack down on the distracting habit.

"Having a texting band here in Alabama will help Alabama see these same lives same," says Mafus Bird.

Many drivers blame accidents on construction in the area.

"There's a tremendous amount of construction around town some increase in accidents."

Accidents will always happen, but Ingram says there are ways we can reduce them from happening.

"Be alert, pay attention, and reduce any type of potential distractions, and be safer drivers."