State traffic deaths rise slightly; US numbers at 5-yr low

Here's a statistic of note: Arkansas traffic fatalities increased 1.2% in 2006 while the number of such deaths nationwide fell 2% to the lowest level in five years. These statistics should bring recent legislative debates on a primary seat belt law and a statewide trauma care system back to the forefront. The latter should be a major legislative priority in 2009. Here's the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article from Noel Oman.