PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Traffic fatalities in South Dakota are down compared to last year and the Highway Patrol is working to keep that trend going.

As of the middle of May, thirty-six people had been killed on state highways, compared to fifty-four a year ago, a thirty three percent decline. There was also a thirty percent drop in the number of fatal crashes.

Assistant High Way Patrol Superintendent, Captain Jason Ketterling, says they want to see that trend continue.

Ketterling says troopers will be more visible this summer.

Ketterling says they know there will be lots of visitors to the state this summer.

The high visibility patrols started during the Memorial Day weekend.