Traffic Deaths in Delaware at Lowest Level Since ’99

The state Office of Highway Safety says traffic deaths in Delaware in 2007 fell to the lowest level in 8 years.

Figures released show traffic deaths dropped 20 percent last year to 118, the lowest number since 104 deaths were recorded in 1999.

The report says the number of pedestrian fatalities dropped from one year earlier, and seat belt use was at an all-time high of 87 percent.

OHS attributes the decreases in deaths to intensive year-round law enforcement efforts.

However, the news isn’t all good. The percentage of alcohol-related traffic deaths rose from 38 percent in 2006 to 43 percent in 2007, and the numbers of fatal motorcycle crashes and fatalities stemming from aggressive driving also increased.

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Information from: WDEL-AM, http://www.wdel.com/