HALIFAX — There were more fatal crashes on Nova Scotia highways in 2007 than any year over the last decade.

According to Canadian Press, 99 people were killed in traffic collisions in the province last year — the highest death toll since 1996. That number is up 15 percent from 2006 and more than 40 percent from 2003, which had the fewest fatalities.

Many of the crashes were a result of speeding and weather conditions, while 25 were pinned on drinking and driving.

Kent Speiran, manager of road safety for the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, said most of the crashes were totally avoidable, adding that people should stop thinking of such incidences as “accidents.”

The Transportation Department is considering several safety initiatives, including plans to test photo radar and red-light cameras, Speiran said.

— with files from Canadian Press