The number of people killed on area roads increased by 35 percent, from 51 in 2002 to 69 in 2003. Statewide, the total number declined from 917 to 915.The number of deaths was the second highest number of auto-related fatalities recorded in the Post 3 area in the last 10 years, according to Trooper Nick Stephens, Kentucky State Police media relations officer for the area. We enforce the laws, he said. But we cannot be with the driver at all times. It really falls back on the driver to obey the law.Within the Post 3 area, records show Warren County at the forefront with 22 automobile fatalities. Logan and Simpson had eight each, with the latter recording five people killed in a one-car crash on Gold City Road. Allen County had 12 fatal crashes and Barren County had 11, while Hart saw seven and Butler only one.Simpson County Sheriff Gene Starks agrees that speedy driving is a problem, one that likely contributed greatly to the tragic accident on Gold City Road. Its just a rural country road, Starks said. There are some treacherous hills and curves, but theyre all well-marked. We cant control speed, and as far as were concerned that was a main contributing factor in that crash. The family has disputed that speed was a cause, and the accident prompted the county to form a task force to look into road safety issues.The eight-county area served by Post 3, which includes Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Simpson and Warren counties, also saw a 45 percent increase in arrests for driving under the influence of intoxicants, from 337 in 2002 to 489 last year. When you look at 2002 statewide statistics for alcohol involvement, 21 percent of the total collisions were involving alcohol, Stephens said, adding that there is no great difference evident in 2003 statistics. Numerous factors go into play (in the statistical increase).In addition to alcohol involvement, police records list other leading accident causes as the vehicle not being under proper control and driver inattention. Traffic citations decreased in 2003 from 20,256 to 19,470. More specifically, speeding tickets decreased by 1,845 and seat belt violations decreased by 304. Child restraint violations rose by five. Total accidents increased from 1,332 to 1,434 and criminal arrests went from 2,183 to 2,708.