Traffic Deaths Down in Florida

A preliminary report shows Florida reached a 32-year low with 2,430 traffic deaths in 2010.

That’s 133 fewer than the year before, according to the report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

It’s the lowest since 1978 although the state’s population has doubled since then.

Officials attributed the reduction in part to a new law that went into effect in 2009. It lets police stop motorists for failing to buckle up.

Before then they could issue seat belt tickets only if making a stop for another violation.

They also credit educational programs about seat belt use and the dangers of distractions ranging for using cell phones to putting on makeup while driving.