Traffic highway fatalities decrease to 1960s levels
A new report shows that highway deaths in 2008 dropped from previous years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 37,313 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year. This happens to be 9.1 percent fewer deaths than in 2007, which had 41,059 traffic deaths. It is important to note that this is the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1961, when there were 36,285 deaths.
The high gasoline price tag of $4 gallon and fewer miles driven is only one side of the equation. Effective measures like enforcement of drunken driving laws and the work of advocacy groups, such as the Dori Slosberg Foundation, that encourage safer driving habits, also contribute to the decrease of traffic related deaths and awareness of highway safety.
In addition, increased seat-belt use and states promoting seat-belt usage through law enforcement helps promote highway safety. Currently there are 27 states with a primary mandatory seat-belt law. Arkansas is the most recent state to approve legislation of primary enforcement of the safety belt use law. In Florida, there is only a primary seat belt use law for children under 18, effective since 2005.
We encourage all drivers to use caution when driving on the highway. Always use a seat belt and limit the amount of distractions when behind the wheel, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving.
Leave the need for speed to the actors and Hollywood production crews that create Box office blockbusters, "Fast and Furious".
Click here to read more from the NHTSA on highway traffic statistics.
