A preliminary count of all road fatalities in 2009 shows a record low figure of 33,963; almost 9% lower than 2008. The final count is due this summer. While the declining VMT due to a depressed economy was a major factor, the rate declined as well.
It's the lowest level since 1954, while the rate (deaths per 100 million miles traveled) is the lowest ever. The Times offers some explanations for the falling numbers.
"The fatality rate, which takes into account the number of miles traveled, was 1.16 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, based on statistical projections of early data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The agency attributes the recent decline to a combination of factors, including nationwide campaigns aimed to increase seat belt use and to prevent drunken and distracted driving, and safer roads and vehicles. The agency also noted that people are driving less.
Mr. Kissinger said more analysis of the data was needed, but that most experts agreed that the recent downturn in the economy played a role. He said that better enforcement, more effective laws, like those that govern teenage driving, and improved technology, like electronic stability control, have also contributed to the lower death rate."
Thanks to Streetsblog Daily
FULL STORY: Traffic Fatalities Drop to Record Low

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway
The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions