According to preliminary figures released today by the National Transportation Safety Board, total transportation fatalities in the United States increased by three percent in 2012 from 2011, but deaths in the marine sector declined over the same period. The data indicate that transportation fatalities in all modes totaled 35,531 in 2012, compared to 34,551 in 2011. Although marine, aviation and pipeline, deaths declined, highway and rail fatalities showed an increase. "We have a serious public health and safety epidemic on our highways," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman.