BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- Deaths from traffic crashes in South Dakota are up nearly 15-percent from this time last year. There have been 90 fatalities in South Dakota from 40 crashes in just the last eight weeks.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol will be working alongside law enforcement agencies across the state for this weekends Operation CARE — Crash Awareness Reduction Effort.

South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Rick Miller.

Expect the Highway patrol and other law enforcement to be very visible through Labor Day.

Miller says there are a couple of key steps people can take. Avoid being a distracted driver and buckle your seatbelt.

Colonel Miller says the recent number of crashes is unacceptable.