Pocono News Section

Lowest Deadly Accident Rate in 2009

Lowest Deadly Accident Rate in 2009 - Monday, March 15, 2010 at 04:13AM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday March 15 2010
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PennDOT says the number of deadly accidents is at an all time low and drivers even say they're noticing a change.

Ed Kentusky of Bear Creek Township said, I believe people are more conscious of being on the road and what's going on. You have to watch out for trucks and things like that, you have to be aware of that."

There were 14 percent less deadly accidents in 2009 than in 2008. PennDOT says drivers might be following its three core suggestions: wear seat belts, never drink and drive and drive the speed limit.

11 million dollars in federal funding was also used for aggressive driving enforcement programs.

Fatal accidents did not lower for one age group in particular. Drivers 65 and older had more deadly accidents than years past. PennDOT says mature driver improvement courses could help lower accidents of every kind in that age group.

While PennDOT can't point to one factor specifically for the drop in deadly accidents, some have theories.

Gas prices are hovering right below three dollars. Some say that's taking cars off the road. Marlon Garcia of Muhlenberg said, "There's a lot less traffic because of the gas prices, you know and there's a lot of people that are commuting together because of that."