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Although final statistics will not be available until February 1, the Department of State Police reported today that preliminary figures indicate fewer persons lost their lives on Virginia’s highways in 1^79 than in any year since 1963.
The tentative 1979 total of highway fatalities is 1,005, 75 fewer than 1978 and the lowest figure since 1963 when 989 were killed. A Department spokesman noted that the 1979 figure would be revised should a person injured in a crash die within 30 days due to these injuries.
"Obviously, we are very pleased with such a significant reduction in highway deaths,” said Colonel D. M. Slane, State Police Superintendent. "Virginia motorists as well as all State and local agencies related to highway safety should take pride in this accomplishment.”
The 55 mile per hour speed limit, coupled with voluntary compliance by motorists was listed as a primary contributor to the reduction in highway deaths. Virginia has led the nation in voluntary compliance since 1978.
Another important factor is vehicular travel. Although Virginia may show an increase in vehicular miles traveled for 1979, the increase is not expected to be as great as would have been expected prior to fuel conservation measures and gas shortages. Final mileage statistics will not be available until early February, but it is anticipated that 1979 will set an all-time record low in Virginia as far as the death
90.7%