First Drunk Driving Crash Decline Since 1999

The rate of injuries and deaths on U.S. highways is at its lowest level in 38 years. Officials credit a drop in drunken driving and increased seat belt use for the improved figures, the Associated Press reported Aug. 10.

According to the report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,643 people died in traffic crashes in 2003, a decline of 362 from 2002. The death rate was 1.48 per 100 million miles driven, the lowest level since recordkeeping began in 1966.

Injuries were also down slightly from 2002, at 2.89 million.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the decrease is even more significant considering that people did more driving in 2003. "America's roads and highways are safer than ever," Mineta said.

Drunk-driving deaths declined for the first time since 1999. NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Runge attributed the decline to more states adopting the lower 0.08 blood-alcohol standard to avoid losing federal funds.

"We're hoping it's a trend," said Lynne Goughler, vice president of public policy for Mothers Against Drunken Driving. "Every state has gotten down to 0.08, and we know that works."