It has been nearly 60 years since automobile fatalities nationwide have been as low as they were in the past year.

The federal transportation department says its projections show traffic deaths declined nearly 9 percent in 2009 to fewer than 34,000.

That's the lowest level since 1954.

And the Ohio Highway Patrol has seen a decline not only in fatalities, but generally in crashes, at its post which covers Washington and Morgan county.

While some attribute the decrease to the economy and rising gas prices, the patrol believes education is also a factor.

"I want people to take time, to look out for the other person," said Sgt. Todd McDonald of the Marietta post, "be safe, and use a designated driver. If you get behind a drunk driver, don't hesitate to give us a call, and we'll check it out."

What makes these statistics astounding is that there are greater numbers of vehicles on the road than in the 1950's...not to mention more people driving.

By the way, gas prices in the area...which have increased steadily in the past few weeks, reached $2.75 a gallon in some places Thursday.