Ind. on pace for fewest traffic deaths since 1920s

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials say Indiana traffic deaths for 2009 are on pace to be the fewest recorded in more than 80 years.

Preliminary figures through Monday show 680 traffic fatalities. That's the lowest number since the 670 recorded in 1925, when Ford was still making Model Ts.

State records show traffic fatalities have dropped by more than 25 percent since 2004, when there were 947 deaths.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute says Hoosier drivers are traveling about the same number of miles as they did in 2008, when there were 814 deaths.

Gov. Mitch Daniels attributes the decline to tougher seat belt and drunken driving laws and increased police enforcement.