"The rate of fatalities on U.S. roads hit an all-time low in 2008 of 1.28 per 100 million miles driven, representing a 9.1 percent decline.

This resulted in the lowest number of deaths on American roads since 1961, when 36,285 lives were lost, according to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."


Keep in mind this timeframe includes the horrific period in the 70's when we were restricted to 55mph on the highway (which, even though portrayed as a fuel savings strategy, didn't reduce fatalities, either). And there's little question people are driving faster today than ever.

Hmmm ... maybe we should increase speed limits and save more lives!

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