Statement From David Kelly: NHTSA Traffic Deaths are at Their Lowest Since 1949

STATEMENT FROM DAVID KELLY,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COALITION FOR SAFER ROADS ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY NHTSA THAT TRAFFIC DEATHS ARE AT THEIR LOWEST SINCE 1949:

Friday, April 1, 2011 – “We are pleased to see that the latest fatality numbers show traffic deaths continue to decline. This is in no small part based on the advancements in road safety technology including red light safety cameras and speed cameras. We know these systems work to reduce crashes and save lives. This is confirmed by recent national studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When safety cameras are installed, driver behavior changes. However, we are concerned about the trend over the last half of 2010 showing an increase in fatalities. We look forward to working at the national, state and local levels to continue to make our roads safer and further reduce traffic deaths and injuries.”

David Kelly is NCSR’s principal spokesman and representative before state and national policymaking bodies. He is the former acting administrator of NHTSA. President Bush nominated him to the position after Kelly served as the agency’s Chief of Staff. He also served as director of the U.S. National Safety Council’s Airbag & Seat Belt Campaign.

To find more information about improving road safety in Missouri and learn more about the campaign, visit www.saferoadssavelives.org and follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA.