Georgia highway fatalities continue downward trend

By Associated Press

For the AJC

Officials say fatalities on Georgia highways dropped substantially last year for the fifth consecutive year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the State Department of Transportation say there were 1,244 highway deaths in Georgia in 2010.

They say the figure represents a decline of 3.7 percent, or 48 deaths, from 2009's 1,292 total and continues an improving trend that began in 2006.

Traffic fatalities on Georgia roads in 2010 were down 500 from the record 1,744 deaths that occurred in 2005.

Officials say 2011 fatalities also remain below 2010 numbers as of Monday.

Georgia DOT Commissioner Keith Golden credits the department's highway safety plan, which includes engineering improvements and traffic rules enforcement.