WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of people killed in auto accidents
has dropped to its lowest level in five decades, and experts say
the recession is one reason.
Preliminary government figures show about 37,300 people died in
car crashes last year, down 9.1 percent from 2007 and the fewest
since John F. Kennedy was president.
People drove less last year as the economy slid deeper into
recession and gas prices reached $4 a gallon.
Record-high rates of buckling up also contributed to the decline
in fatal car crashes. In Alabama, seat belt use climbed to 86.1
percent in 2008, up from 82.3 percent during the previous year.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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