According to an AP report out today, highway deaths have
hit their lowest levels in more than 60 years due to three main factors: more
people wearing seat belts, better safety equipment in vehicles and aggressive
work toward curbing drunk driving.
The drop in vehicle deaths can also be tied to the poor
economy and motorists reducing their travel, but according to the AP report,
people spent more time in their cars last year. The number of miles driven by
Americans in 2010 increased 20.5 billion, or 0.7 percent compared to 2009.
Barb Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway
Safety Association, told AP that people are driving more safely and road
designs have improved. Plus, side air bags and electronic stability control are
becoming standard equipment.
More information:
Read the entire AP story.