2011 Traffic deaths are lowest seen in six decades

Residents of Austin, Texas, might be interested to learn that traffic deaths in the U.S. are on the decline. The government announced traffic-related deaths have reached the lowest level since 1949. Studies reveal a total of 32,367 deaths due to road accidents in 2011, 1.9 percent less than 2010. According to reports issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2011 saw a 26 percent decline from the number of deaths in 2005. However, authorities fear this declining trend may not last.

According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, initial data for 2012 shows an increase in car accident deaths and injuries. Authorities assume that the increase is due to a stronger economy and the lower number of deaths over the past few years.