State: Traffic fatalities are way down

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Governor Mitch Daniels declared that Hoosiers are safe drivers after the state recorded the lowest traffic related deaths in more than 80 years.

“It literally means there are hundreds of Hoosiers alive to celebrate the New Year,” said Governor Daniels.

Daniels said Indiana drivers are as safe on the state’s highways as they were 84 years ago. Wednesday morning at the Statehouse, he joined other state officials to release the news.

“I just want to give thanks and credit, heartfelt thanks, to each organization and each citizen and public servant who's worked to make this remarkable achievement possible,” he said.

Statistics through December 28, 2009, show 680 highway fatalities on Indiana highways. In 1925, the Department of Health recorded 670 deaths on Indiana highways.

“There are eight times as more vehicles on Indiana highways today than there were then. So, an Indiana motorist is eight times safer than he or she was 84 years ago,” said Governor Daniels.

Daniels credits Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) and Indiana State Police.

“This year, for the first time, they will write around a million citations, arrests and written warnings for traffic violations,” the governor said.

“We have made it one of our flagship concerns. We have put more emphasis on drunk driving arrests this year than any other year,” Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell.

AAA Hoosier Motor Club said more work can be done.

“The work is not done. There's a lot of work still left to do and until those numbers are at zero, we will continue to strive to work for improvement,” said Greg Setter of AAA.

There are 250 more troopers on the highway. State Police said they will continue to enforce the laws on the highways to keep people safe.