A rare bit of good news

A rare bit of good news

Kansas City Star: Traffic deaths have been declining for years. But in 2008, according to preliminary numbers, they took a steep dive — a rare bit of good news in a gloomy time.

Part of the drop was linked to last summer’s spike in fuel prices.

People drove less, and one study concluded that many drove slower.

During the first 10 months of 2008 — the latest numbers available — 31,110 people died on U.S. roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That was about 10 percent below the comparable period in 2007.

A separate study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that in many states, fatalities dropped by more than vehicle miles traveled — perhaps an indication that the emphasis on safer cars, highways and drivers is beginning to pay higher dividends.