Editorial: Variety of reasons for decrease in highway deaths

It was revealed earlier this week that 2008 was the least deadly year on state highways since 1985. According to numbers provided by the Alabama state troopers, 633 people lost their lives on Alabama highways in 2008 (618 died in 1985), which is a dramatic 17 percent reduction from 2007.

Nationally, 10 percent fewer lost their lives on American highways. This showed that Alabama was one of the safest states to drive.

Where do we credit this improvement? One specific area cannot take full credit as there are a variety of factors that played into the numbers.

Maybe it was the state’s “Take Back Our Highways” campaign that saw an increased number of patrols and checkpoints. Prior knowledge of increased patrols made motorists aware of the troopers’ presence and very well could have made drivers ease up on the gas pedal. Speeding is a factor in many highway deaths as it dramatically reduces reaction time.

Maybe it was the state’s deployment of vehicles with blood-alcohol level equipment on board. Policing drunk drivers like never before can certainly be a factor as motorists under the influence are among the No. 1 cause of roadway accidents or death.

Maybe it was improved highways and roads to drive our vehicles on.  The Alabama Department of Transportation has spent millions on projects to make highways wider, less congested and easier for motorists to navigate. Since 2003, the ALDOT has spent $15 million on interstate guardrails to help reduce the number of vehicles accidentally crossing medians into oncoming traffic. The ALDOT is also working on increasing the width of some rural highways by two feet.

Maybe, with the economy in the tank and gas prices in 2008 skyrocketing to levels we’d never seen before (and we’re fortunate to see them plummet in recent weeks), fewer motorists are traveling — thus reducing the risk of accidents and number of deaths.

Whatever the reason, kudos must be handed out to those working toward safer roads.

But just because Alabama saw a 17 percent decrease in highway deaths in 2008, that does not excuse us from taking highway safety for granted in 2009. Drive the speed limit. Observe traffic around you. Wear your seatbelt.

And by all means, don’t drink and drive.