State had lowest number of traffic deaths since 1986

CARSON CITY -- Traffic deaths in Nevada fell to 243 in 2011, the lowest number of people killed on state roads since 1986 when the state population was one-third of what it is today.

The state Office of Traffic Safety attributed the decline, down 14 from 257 fatalities in 2010, to increased enforcement of traffic laws, less drinking and driving, and increased seat belt use by drivers.

Its year-end report shows that 67 people died in alcohol-related accidents, down from 80 in 2010. But 47 pedestrians died in traffic accidents, up six from 2010. Motorcycle fatalities ended up at 45, a drop of six from the previous year.

Statistics from the office show that in terms of fatal accidents per 100 million miles driven, Nevada's current fatality rate is little more than one-third of what it was in the 1980s.

In the first three days of 2012, three people were killed in highway accidents.