IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Transportation Department says the number of crashes involving teen drivers is on the rise.

The Post Register reports that in every category of crashes tracked by the department, the number involving teens increased between 2014 and 2015. According to the department, drivers aged 15 to 19 were 2 ½ times more likely to be involved in a crash. Fatalities were up 70 percent from 2014, and serious injury crashes rose by 36 percent statewide. There were 34 car crash fatalities in Idaho last year.

That's the most the state has seen since 2011. Dave Mason with Dynamic Driving School says cellphones contribute to the crashes. He says new drivers emulate their parents and grandparents when it comes to using cellphones behind the wheel.

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