BECKLEY, W.Va. — Roadway fatalities are at an all-time low in West Virginia.
In 2014, 271 roadway fatalities were reported in the Mountain State, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. That is down from 332 in 2013 and the previous low of 315 in 2010.
Blume said people often just look at the number totals, but it must be remembered, “these are more than numbers, they are moms, dads, kids,” he said.
He credits three reasons for the decline: tougher enforcement of seal belt usage, distracted drivers and DUI laws by local and state police forces.
He explained that prior to 2013, West Virginia’s seat belt law was secondary, meaning only after being pulled over for another violation could law enforcement cite a motorist for not wearing a seatbelt.
In 2013, the West Virginia Legislature made seat belt violations a primary offense…
