COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP): Preliminary data indicate the number of Ohio traffic deaths for the past year probably won't be another record low and might top 1,000.

The State Highway Patrol reports 973 fatalities for the year. At least 37 more deaths being reviewed haven't been confirmed as traffic fatalities, so it's possible the total could be 1,010 or more once reports are completed and officials account for any New Year's Eve crashes.

The patrol reported 990 traffic deaths for 2013. It was the first time the number was under 1,000 since record-keeping began in 1936.

A spokesman says troopers are encouraged to cite people for violations that cause crashes and injures, such as impaired driving and not wearing a seat belt. Citations in those categories were up for 2014.