Highway Fatalities Declining, Paper Says

U.S. highway fatalities have fallen sharply this year compared with a year ago, USA Today reported Thursday.

Deaths declined in 35 of the 37 states that provided information, according to preliminary data tracked by state police and transportation agencies, the paper reported.

Many of the declines were significant — more than 10% in 30 states, and more than 20% in 14 states, USA Today said.

States said the numbers were preliminary and included only highways patrolled by state police, the paper reported.

An official with the Governors Highway Safety Association told the paper that high gasoline prices reducing driving could be a factor, as could more enforcement of seat-belt use laws.