Delaware highway deaths drop in 2009

Despite drop in the number of fatal accidents, fewer Delaware drivers buckled up in 2009.

The number of people killed on Delaware roadways is at the lowest it’s been since 1999.

State highway officials say 116 people were killed in crashes in 2009. That’s down 5% compared with the 122 people killed on state roads in 2008. 36 of the 116 highway deaths (31%) last year were alcohol-related. That’s also down from 2008, when 53 fatal accidents were alcohol-related.

While overall deaths were down, the use of seat belts was down as well. Delaware’s seat belt usage rate dropped from 92% in 2008 to 88% in 2009.  The drop in seat belt use was a factor in fatal crashes. 58% of those killed in car crashes were not buckled up.