Oregon Traffic Deaths Down in '08

Oregon will be well below the national average for the tenth straight year after being at or worse than the national average for 50 straight years.

Some of Oregon's more recent fatal crashes. Photos by Oregon State Police and other agencies.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Despite record-breaking storms at year’s end, Oregon’s highways claimed fewer lives in 2008 than in previous nine years, according to preliminary reports from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Officials were quick to add that even one death is one too many, but making strides in safety is noteworthy.

As of December 31st, there were 414 confirmed fatalities, with eight reports pending. This represents the lowest loss of lives since 1999 and 1955.

“Our number one mission continues to be safety, and it’s the measure we evaluate ourselves on daily,” said ODOT Director Matt Garrett.

“To know that Oregonians are buckling up, driving sober and taking real steps to be safe on the roads is heartening.”

Researchers compare fatalities to vehicle miles traveled to assess safety, and Oregon’s rate is projected to be 1.25, based on miles driven in the state in 2008 (1.25 lives lost per 100 million miles traveled).

This is the second lowest rate in Oregon motor vehicle history — in 1999, the rate was 1.19. In 2007, it was 1.26; in 2006, 1.40. The worst years were 1972: 737 fatalities; 1978: 722 fatalities; and 1969: 714 fatalities.

These are also the only three years with more than 700 highway deaths.

“Oregon will be well below the national average for the tenth straight year after being at or worse than the national average for 50 straight years,” said Troy E. Costales, ODOT Safety Division administrator.

“However, even one life lost is too many. We will continue our efforts in education, enforcement, engineering and emergency response, and we hope Oregonians continue to listen and respond.”

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