Vermont Traffic Fatalities Fall 38% in 2014

Preliminary reports show that Vermont traffic fatalities declined 38 percent in 2014 to the lowest number since World War II.

The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance says 43 people died on the state’s roadways last year, down from 70 in 2013.

In 2011, 55 people died on the state’s roadways. That number jumped to 77 in 2012 and 70 in 2013, alarming state officials.

Of the 43 fatalities last year 46 percent were unbelted and about 25 percent involved drugs or alcohol and about 25 percent involved speeding.

Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn says Vermont has made great strides saving lives through enforcement, education, safer roads and better medical care immediately following crashes.

He says they need the public’s assistance in keeping the roads safe for everyone.