Fatal Kansas City Truck Accidents Decline

Kansas City, MOLast year saw the fewest number of fatal Kansas city truck accidents and deadly crashes involving other types of vehicles since 2001.

There were 192 traffic fatalities in the Kansas City area last year, according to the Kansas City Star.

The Kansas City numbers reflect a trend across the country. Nationwide there were only 33,808 roadway deaths last year, the fewest since 1950, six years before the interstate system was created.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said the figures were a "landmark achievement for public health and safety," noted that the rough economy may have something to do with the low numbers.

"While more vehicles than ever are on our streets and highways … we believe that discretionary driving is on the decline," he said. "Fewer people may be going out for after-work or evening entertainment, which the data suggest are higher-risk trips than the daily commute."

The number of traffic deaths involving those in large trucks fell by 26 percent last year. In addition, light-truck fatalities dropped for a fourth consecutive year.