Traffic Fatalities Drop to Record Low in 2009

03/11/2010

Federal and state governments have recently stepped up their efforts to reduce risky driving.

It may have paid off, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation showing that traffic fatalities for 2009 reached their lowest level since 1954. Projected data for last year's highway death count was 33,963. This number is 8.9 percent lower than the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008.

Last year's death count is the lowest ever reported, when the number of miles traveled is taken into account. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributed this decline to various campaigns aimed at reducing distracted driving and drunken driving, as well as efforts to increase seat belt use. The organization's administrator, David Strickland, said their work is "far from over."

"We will not stop as long as there are still lives lost on our nation's highways," he said. "We must continue our efforts to ensure seat belts are always used and stay focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving."

Several states now have legislation allowing law enforcement officials to fine motorists who use their cell phone while driving. These citations, which may be indicative of risky behavior behind the wheel, can increase a driver's auto insurance premiums.

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