Traffic fatalities in 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, according to preliminary statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The estimated toll for 2009 fell to 33,963 deaths, a drop of almost 9 percent from 2008’s tally of 37,261 deaths.

If the final numbers hold true, then 2009 will mark the fourth year in a row of declining traffic deaths on U.S. roads. Total deaths have been reduced even while the number of cars and drivers have increased. Miles traveled has stayed the same. That’s demonstrated by significant drops in the fatality rate, which looks at deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The fatality rate itself has also declined for years on end, dropping from 1.46 in 2005 to 1.16 in 2009. Full 2009 fatality statistics will be available this summer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes the reduction in deaths to the success of its high-visibility law-enforcement campaigns such as the “Click It or Ticket” program aimed to increase seat belt use, which is now at its highest national level of 84 percent. NHTSA also credits its anti drunk-driving campaign, “Over the Limit. Under arrest.” Other factors affecting the decline in fatalities are safer roads and vehicles, especially with vehicles increasingly equipped with electronic stability control and side-curtain air bags.