COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- In 2012, there were 29 percent more fatal crashes in Colorado Springs than there were in 2011, according to new figures released by police.

Last year resulted in 28 crashes that killed 31 people. That's 29 percent more than the 2011 rate and 32 percent more than the past five-year average.

The year had the second highest rate for fatal crashes in the last 16 years, police said. Only the year 2000 had more fatals when 34 people dies from vehicle crashes.

The lowest fatality rate was in 2006 with 13 traffic-related deaths, police said.

Eleven of the 2012 fatal crashes involved pedestrian deaths, police said. In those 11 crashes, seven were found to be cause of the crashes. Police said alcohol or drugs played a part in six of the pedestrian deaths.

Colorado Springs' average for traffic fatalities in the past 16 years is 25, police said.

So far in 2013, police said four people have already died from crashes.

Police remind people to always wear seatbelts, obey traffic laws, avoid distracted driving and watch pedestrians.