Early reports suggest new low for Ohio road deaths

CLEVELAND (AP) — Early numbers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol suggest traffic deaths fell to a historic low in Ohio during 2009 as people cut back on driving amid the recession.

Spokeswoman Lindsay Komlanc says the patrol knows of at least 1,014 Ohio road fatalities in 2009, though she cautions the figures are very preliminary. Still, she says it’s likely the final number will be below the 2008 total of 1,191 crash deaths, which was the lowest since officials began keeping track in the 1930s.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says recessions usually bring a drop in highway deaths, as drivers stay home more because of concerns about expenses. Experts say education programs and greater seat-belt use also are making roads safer.