Preliminary Government data indicate highway deaths declined again last year, reaching their lowest rate on record when compared to miles driven. Traffic administration's early estimate of 2011 traffic fatalities says there were over 32,000 deaths in motor vehicle crashes which is a drop of almost 2% from the previous year. That's the lowest number of deaths in more than 60 years. The State Highway Patrol wants to see the numbers drop to no fatalities, but likes the drop and attributes a portion of the lower numbers to increased enforcement. Ohio state patrol lima post lieutenant, Brant Zemelka, said, "we're running a lot more tack squads and check points just to get the safety word out to people. If you are going to drink have a designated driver. And seat belt tack squads we've been running quite a few last year and this year." Along with increased enforcement experts have said other factors in the drop come from less driving due to the weak economy, people wearing seat belts, and better safety equipment in cars.
