Traffic Deaths Decline in Tennessee

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation reported 961 traffic deaths in 2014 — 35 fewer than in 2013, when 995 fatalities were recorded.

A joint statement from the agencies says the number is the second-lowest since 1963.

Tennessee law enforcement official, Tracy Trott, says focused enforcement efforts on drunken driving and seat belt usage has helped decrease the number of traffic fatalities in the state. State troopers arrested almost 2,000 more people on suspicion of DUI in 2014 than in 2013, according to Trott. The year had an 18.6 percent decline in DUI-related deaths.