Florida Highway Fatalities Drop to Eight-Year Low July 17, 2009 10:23 AM

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Good news from Florida's highways...education and law enforcement efforts are combining to keep Florida drivers alive at a better rate than in years past.The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reports traffic fatalities in Florida during 2008 dropped over 7% from 2007, meaning there were 2,983 fatalities in 2008.This is the third consecutive year of a decrease in traffic fatalities, and marks the first time there have been fewer than 3,000 in Florida since 2000.Alcohol-related fatalities decreased 6%. Despite that, drinking and driving contributed to nearly 40% of traffic fatalities.Fatalities of teen drivers and passengers decreased by 22.5% during the same time span as well.Motorcycle fatalities decreased 3.3%, while pedestrian fatalities decreased 5.3%."While these statistics are influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, increased safety of vehicles, and fewer vehicles on the road, it is also a testament to the work of the many safety partners in our state who share this responsibility with us," says DHSMV Executive director Electra Theodorides-Bustle.