The National Transportation Safety Board reports that 9 percent fewer people died on American highways last year than in 2007, continuing the trend toward safer cars and safer roads across the country.

Total fatalities fell to 34,017 from 37,435, even as Americans cut back on driving in the recession. Total vehicle miles fell from 3.03 billion miles traveled to 2.93 billion miles. While the miles driven were reduced, the fatality rate fell at an even greater rate to 1.27 per 100 million miles driven from 1.36 in 2007. The lower overall highway fatality rate means individual trips have gotten safer as well.

All is not rosy in on the roads, however. For the 11th straight year, motorcycle fatalities have increased. Last year 5,290 riders died in crashes, compared to 5,174 last year. In 1997, the number was just 2,116. The increase is attributed to a greater number of middle-aged motorcycle buyers as well as the repeal of mandatory motorcycle helmet laws in many states. Not counting this increase in motorcycle fatalities, the death rate for car passengers dropped even further than reported.

Highway safety improvements are coming as more cars are designed to pass the most stringent crash tests, and more models are equipped with electronic stability control and curtain air bags. Find out more about choosing a safe car and driving safely in our car safety section.

—Eric Evarts