NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday that traffic fatalities in 2009 reached their lowest level since 1954.
Highway fatalities totaled 33,963 nationwide last year, according to the DOT, a drop of 8.9% from 2008, when deaths on the road totaled 37,261.
The government also said that the fatality rate in 2009 declined to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled -- the lowest rate ever. This is down from a rate of 1.25 fatalities the prior year.
The DOT also said that fatalities have been in decline for 15 consecutive quarters, through the end of 2009.
Traffic deaths reached a "near-term" peak in 2005, then plunged 22% through 2009, the government said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributed the decline in deaths to its campaigns for increased use of seatbelts and against drunk driving, as well as safer roads and safer vehicles. 
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