(May 8, 2012) Traffic fatalities in 2011 dropped to their lowest level since record-keeping began in 1949, according to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA reported an estimated 32,310 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year representing a decline of about 1.7 percent as compared to the 32,885 fatalities that occurred in 2010.

Traffic fatalities have been steadily declining over the last five years since reaching a near-peak of 43,510 in 2005, decreasing by about 26 percent from 2005 to 2011. Traffic fatalities peaked in 1972 at 54,589. In 1949 there were 30,246 fatalities, but the rate was 7.13 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

The fatality rate for 2011 is projected to decline to the lowest on record, to 1.09 fatalities per 100 million vehicles miles traveled, down from 1.11 fatalities per 100 million in 2010.

Preliminary data shows that vehicle miles traveled  in 2011 decreased by about 35.7 billion miles, or about 1.2-percent.

The region encompassing California, Arizona and Hawaii was the only one with an increase in highway fatalities, up about 3.3% from the previous year.

Experts say the reduction in fatalities has occurred for several reasons including a crackdown on drunk driving,  increased use of seatbelts, and improved vehicle design.