The number of traffic fatalities dropped in Texas for the fifth straight year, despite the record number of cars and drivers on state roadways, according to a report released this month.
The 3,422 traffic deaths in 2007 reflect a 2.7 percent decrease from the previous year. More than 20 million cars are registered in the state – up from 14.2 million in 2000.
“A number of things are working,” said Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Mark Cross. “There’s improved safety on the drivers’ part, on the manufacturing of car safety, stepped-up public safety announcements and stepped-up enforcement.”
