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State sees fewest traffic fatalities since 2001
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Arizona's traffic fatalities dropped in 2007 to its lowest level in six years, state officials reported Thursday.
The tally of 1,066 people killed also represents a drop of 17 percent from the year before.
"The only acceptable number of fatalities is zero, but it is encouraging to see the decrease in fatalities in 2007," Gov. Janet Napolitano said. "That means our messages to drive sober, fasten your seat belt, keep your attention on the road - and others - are working."
Behavioral breakdowns leading to fatalities - such as the number of impaired drivers, unrestrained motorists, and speed-related deaths - will not be available until later this year.
The last time the state had fewer vehicle-related deaths was 2001, when 1,057 people died. Since then, the number of residents and registered vehicles both jumped by a million, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
"We need to keep this good work going, because as our population grows, so will the number of motorists on our streets and highways," Napolitano said.
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