The new, 10-mile stretch of U.S. 71 that runs from downtown Kansas City, MO, to the southern suburbs has an unusually high number of traffic deaths, surprising local officials, KMBC television reported this week.

So far this year, four people have died in traffic on the highway, which was completed in October of 2001. That's the same number as died on nearby I-435, despite lower speed limits and some traffic lights along the new stretch of U.S. 71, a divided four-lane road also known as Bruce Watkins Drive, the TV station reported.

However, Sgt. Randall Sims of the Kansas City, MO, Police Department told KMBC that in most of the fatal crashes, people were not driving in a prudent manner. Police said they have increased traffic surveillance and speed checks along the highway, and the state DOT is keeping an eye on 71 to determine whether any changes will be needed in the future.