An Associated Press story came across saying that deadly crashes
on Washington roads are at their lowest level in more than 50
years.
Preliminary statistics from the state’s Traffic Safety Commission
show 522 traffic-related deaths last year. That’s the lowest since
1955, when 461 people died in crashes.
That’s when I was born, which is a long, long time ago. It’s pretty amazing considering how much more traffic there is today.
State Patrol Chief John Batiste says strict enforcement of seat belt laws appears to be paying off. Washington’s seat belt use rate is 96.5 percent, third-highest in the nation.
I think divided highways also make a big difference. I remember when Highway 16 wasn’t divided and had a bunch of crossings and there were always serious wrecks.
