According to preliminary data from state police and transportation agencies, highway deaths in the U.S. have declined sharply this year, compared with 2007.  Highway fatalities declined in 35 of the 37 states that provided data for the early part of this year as well as the District of Columbia. The declines were significant in many states, with 30 states reporting decreases of more that 10 percent. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia reported decreases of more than 20 percent. Highway deaths increased in only two states that provided data to USA Today. Fatalities rose from 29 to 31 in Vermont and from 51 to 55 in Connecticut. Thirteen other states have not released data, and the others emphasized that the numbers are preliminary and include only highways patrolled by state police.

Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), characterized the decline as great news and said that 2008 could be a notable year for highway safety.  Harsha said that high gasoline prices may be a factor in the decline in fatalities, as might be stronger seat belt laws and other enforcement efforts.

Highway Deaths Down in 35 States (USA Today 6/26/08)

July 2, 2008