NC traffic-related fatalities have decreased over the past year

North Carolina roads and highways are getting safer. Tuesday, State Transportation Secretary Gene Conti announced that traffic-related fatalities in North Carolina have significantly decreased over the past year.

From 2007 to 2008, traffic-related fatalities decreased 17 percent from 1,705 to 1,406; alcohol-related fatalities decreased 19.8 percent from 489 to 392; and motorcycle fatalities declined 26 percent from 192 to 142.

One possible reason for the decline? Fewer people on the roads after the spike in gas prices over the summer.