Virginia highway deaths on decline in 2009

Posted to: News Traffic - Transportation

The Associated Press
© December 16, 2009

RICHMOND

Highway fatals through November in Virginia are sharply down compared to last year.

According to the governor's office, there were 98 fewer traffic deaths in Virginia as of Nov. 30 — a decline of 13 percent from 2008. The 821 traffic fatalities in Virginia in 2008 were the lowest since 1966.

Gov. Tim Kaine on Wednesday credited a number of factors to the decline, including coordinated efforts to reduce highway deaths and increased use of seat belts.

A survey in May found seat belt use in Virginia at 82 percent, the highest rate ever.

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