WASHINGTON — Automobile fatalities declined in 40 states — including Colorado — last year, according to a survey of state highway-safety agencies.
The Governors Highway Safety Association said Wed nesday that vehicle deaths dropped in 40 states and the District of Columbia out of 44 states they surveyed. The average decline was 10.7 percent, the safety group said. In Colorado, the decline was 2 percent.
“Clearly, the high gas prices in the first part of the year and the difficult economy in the second half caused people to drive less, thus reducing fatalities. However, there’s more occurring here than just economic factors,” said Barbara Harsha, the organization’s executive director.
Harsha said the declines also could be attributed to seat-belt use reaching a record high of 83 percent in 2008 and increased enforcement of traffic laws. Many states also reported drivers reducing their speeds to boost fuel efficiency, she said.
