PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island transportation officials say 45 people died on the state’s roadways last year, a steady decline from previous years.
Most victims were in a motor vehicle. Nine were riding bicycles and eight were pedestrians.
“One life lost is too many. One life equates to one family. One family equates to an entire community. Saving lives and reducing serious injuries remains a very important component of the work we do at RIDOT,” said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. “However, while we are pleased to see the numbers trending downward, we continue to work to reduce these needless and preventable deaths and serious injuries on our state highways.”
Sixty-seven people died in Rhode Island automobile crashes in 2010. Each subsequent year had more than 60 deaths until 2014, when the number of deaths dropped to 51.
“The success of our highway safety goal to eliminate fatal crashes and serious injuries statewide relies on our collaboration with several stakeholders and state leaders,” Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell of the RI State Police said. “The Rhode Island State Police actively promote strong prevention messaging, traffic engineering solutions, public education, and vigilant law enforcement patrols. The collaboration with RIDOT’s leadership and traffic engineering experts on the problems of fatal wrong-way crashes resulted in an immediate intervention strategy that we believe is saving lives.”
Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott says one reason for the decline is increased seat belt usage, which last year reached an all-time high of 87 percent.
