It’s on the newswire – annoying campaigns and widespread crackdowns seem to have an effect in reducing automotive deaths in the United States. The overall number of traffic deaths in 2010 has been the lowest in over 6 decades.

Aside from awareness campaigns and harsh measures against drunk drivers, the reduction can also be attributed to ever-improving crash safety features. While bargain-basement vehicles 30 years ago were nothing more than tin boxes that would crumple around its occupants in a crash, even cheaper cars today offer impressive protection for many different types of accidents – head-on collisions, side impacts, roll-overs and more.

Unfortunately, distracted driving is taking its toll – with the prevalence of cell phones, the number of pedestrian and motorcycle deaths have seen an increase. Cyclists have reason to tremble, as well; in response, many localities have adopted tough measures against cell phone use while driving.

If these restrictions take, automobile transportation in the 50 states will become even safer, and traffic-related injuries will largely become a thing of the past.