Highway deaths fall in 2009, lowest since '61

Via AH: Highway deaths fall in 2009, lowest since '61

By KEN THOMAS , Associated Press

Last update: July 2, 2009 - 11:07 AM

WASHINGTON - Fewer people died on the nation's highways during the first three months of 2009 as motor vehicle fatalities continued to fall to levels not seen in nearly a half-century.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday about 7,689 motorists were killed in the months of January through March, a 9 percent decline from a year ago.

Reporting ahead of the July 4 holiday, a busy period on the nation's roadways, the government estimated that 37,261 motorists died in 2008, the fewest since 1961. If the 2009 fatality trends continue, fewer than 31,000 people will die this year.

In short, recession saves lives. Some other things help too.