Highway Deaths Decline in Alabama

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is crediting state efforts for driving down the number of highway deaths in Alabama.

Officials are anticipating a 35 percent decrease since 2006 in the number of state trooper-investigated highway deaths in the state.

Riley says the decline represents about 300 people.

Beginning in 2006, several state agencies have focused on areas where there were a large number of fatal crashes. The result was a campaign that included a series of safety blitzes and road improvements.

Alabama troopers have investigated 518 highway fatalities this year. Riley said that’s down from about 800 in 2006.