New Safety Technologies Help drive Down U.S. Traffic Deaths

U.S. traffic fatalities have fallen to lows not seen in more than 50 years, as new technologies combine with tougher standards to make safer vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. says.

According to NHTSA, preliminary numbers show 33,963 traffic-related deaths in 2009, down 8.9% from 37,261 in like-2008. The 2009 count represents the 15th consecutive year fatalities have declined and marks the fewest number of deaths in a calendar year since 1954.

Taking ...