NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Traffic fatalities in the state of Tennessee declined sharply during 2011, reaching their lowest figure in 49 years.
As of Friday, 926 people had been killed in wrecks across the state - the fewest since 811 people lost their lives in 1962.
Colonel Tracy Trott of the Tennessee Highway Patrol credits enforcement of drunken driving laws, increased seat belt use, educational safety programs in schools and other factors for the decline.
Trott said the number would likely have been even less if more people had buckled up.
Metro's Sober Ride program did its part to keep drivers safe over the first weekend of 2012. Early estimates show the program provided around 900 safe, sober rides after New Year's celebrations.
The number is based off initial counts, but may be even higher once the official totals come in.
