Virginia Traffic Fatalities Hit Record Low

Traffic fatalities in Virginia have fallen to a record low for the second straight year.

As of Thursday, 715 people have been killed in traffic accidents in Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell said. The previous record was 750 in 2009.

The record high is 1,206 people killed in 2007. Recording of traffic deaths began in 1966.

McDonnell attributed the decline to several factors, including enforcement efforts to prevent drunken driving and to increase seatbelt usage.

But state officials said motorists can't become complacent.

Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. W. Steven Flaherty said motorists should be responsible and make smart decisions. That includes wearing seatbelts, obeying the speed limit and not driving impaired.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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