State officials say traffic fatalities in Texas dropped 11 percent in 2009 to the lowest number since 1993.

Texas Department of Transportation officials released the data Tuesday.

Last year, there were 388 fewer traffic fatalities than in 2008. In 2009, 3,089 drivers or passengers died in traffic-related incidents.

ProNews 7 called the local DPS department to find out how those numbers break down locally.

DPS Trooper Gabriel Medrano says that its more good news here also. In 2008, there were 70 fatal wrecks, with 81 fatalities. In 2009, those numbers dropped to a total of 57 fatal crashed, with 67 fatalities.

Amarillo police say that in 2008, there were 20 collisions and 21 deaths. Compared to 18 collisions and 18 deaths in 2009.

According to police, of the fatalities in 2008, speed was a contributing factor in 10 deaths, while alcohol and drugs contributed to 11 deaths.

The fatalities in 2009, 9 of those wrecks speed was a contributing factor, while drugs and alcohol were factors in five deaths, another three were due to no seatbelt, and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes the decline to safer vehicles, safer roads and motorists driving less. Officials also cite public safety campaigns about seat belt usage, drunk driving and distracted driving.

Officials say motorcycle deaths were down 19 percent in 2009, to 432. In 2008, 531 people died in motorcycle accidents.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)