(Washington, DC)  --  The Department of Transportation reports overall traffic fatalities at the end of last year fell to their lowest level since 1954.  Early projections put the fatality rate at its lowest ever recorded level.  The fatality rate for 2009 is being projected at just under 34-thousand, a decline of eight-point-nine percent over 2008's figures.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the drop in traffic fatalities can be attributed to factors that include increased seat belt use and enforcement of state laws on drunk driving.  Safer roads and less driving also played a part in the latest fatality figures.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood calls the latest report on declines in traffic deaths "exciting news," but he says there are still far too many.  LaHood added that "drivers need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their focus on the road."