Traffic related deaths on pace to hit another record low this year

2010 is likely to set a new low record number of traffic fatalities in the U.S., according to the Transportation Department. The DOT estimates that there were 14,996 such fatalities during the first six months of 2010. The previous low record was set in 2009, when 33,808 roadway fatalities occurred; the lowest figure at that point since 1950.

Experts attribute the safer road conditions to a number of factors. Safer cars, higher use of seat belts, and overall less driving due to the economy being in the condition that it is, have all led to fewer roadway fatalities over the past few years. While the total number of fatalities is down, more importantly, so is the rate of deaths per 100 million miles traveled. That figure is down to 1.02 from 1.13 in 2009, and 1.26 back in 2008.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: DriveOn