Fewer Traffic Fatalities Means Lower Auto Insurance Quotes

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported a significant decline in overall traffic fatalities for 2008, potentially making it easier for consumers to secure more affordable auto insurance quotes.

According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the 2008 highway death count was 37,261 which is 9.7 percent lower than the figure recorded in 2007. The fatality rate stood at 1.27 persons per 100 million vehicle miles travelled, a 7 percent decline.

Almost every major category was said to see a decline in fatalities last year. For example, alcohol-related deaths decreased by over 9 percent, while light truck and passenger car occupant fatalities were down as well. The rate for passenger car occupant deaths was actually the lowest since the DOT began keeping records, having fallen for six consecutive years now.

"While the number of highway deaths in America has decreased, we still have a long way to go," said LaHood.

Overall, fatalities have declined for 12 straight quarters now, in part because Americans also happen to be driving fewer and fewer miles. As highways become safer, one benefit is likely to be lower auto insurance quotes for many drivers.

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