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Report: Higher Gas Prices = Safer Roads

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By RICH SHOPES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 5, 2009

Most states, including Florida, had safer roads last year – and higher gas prices might have been the reason.

A survey of 40 states plus the District of Columbia showed a 10.7 percent drop in traffic deaths in 2008.

Florida's fatality rate declined 6.8 percent, according to the survey by the Governors Highway Safety Association, released today.

Barbara Harsha, the association's executive director, said high gas prices and an uncertain economy curbed Americans' appetite for driving. Miles traveled went down 2.9 percent compared with the year before, accounting for part of the decline in highway deaths.

Of those who did get behind the wheel as often, many drove at a slower pace for better fuel efficiency, she said.

Even a slight drop of one or two miles per hour can make a difference, she said.

"This may not sound like a lot, but reducing drivers' speeds means that more people are surviving crashes," Harsha said.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

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