Washington Traffic Fatalities Declining

Traffic fatalities in Washington continue their downward trend.

The state Traffic Safety Commission announced Wednesday that there were 448 known traffic-related deaths in 2010, down 44 from the previous year. That represents a drop of more than 200 fatalities over a five-year period.

Transportation officials say the steady decline in recent years is a product of the state’s public education campaigns, highway safety projects and strong enforcement of traffic laws.

The state has set a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030 as part of its Target Zero plan established in 2000.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste says most traffic deaths are caused by speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not wearing a seat belt.