U.S. traffic deaths jump due to lower fuel costs

Traffic deaths surged last year as drivers racked up more miles behind the wheel than ever before, a result of an improved economy and lower gas prices, according to preliminary government data released Friday. Fatalities rose 7.7 per cent to 35,200 in 2015. Last year was the deadliest driving year since 2008, when 37,423 people were killed. It was also the year in which Americans drove 3.1 trillion miles, more than ever before.