The number of Americans killed on U.S. highways last year was the lowest since 1961, the Department of Transportation announced Monday.
The rate of deaths on U.S. highways also hit a record low last year — 1.28 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.36 in 2007, the department said in a news release.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood credited more widespread seat belt use for the drop. High gas prices may have also played a roll, taking more drivers off the road.