The number of deaths due to traffic accidents continued to drop significantly in 2006, reaching its lowest point in 40 years, police reported last week.

Road accident fatalities last year totaled 446, down from 482 in 2005, which was the lowest figure in 20 years, according to the traffic department of the Israel Police.

Tel Aviv continues to top the table with the highest number of fatal accidents, 26 - double Jerusalem's total of 13. Rishon Letzion is the safest city in Israel with only three fatal accidents in 2006.

	Advertisement

The traffic department sees two major factors behind the decline in the number of accidents: a change in the driving culture here and increased enforcement on problem roads. In addition, the department pointed to the greater awareness among young drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving, and that there had been a significant decline in driving along the shoulders to avoid traffic jams.

The department noted the efficacy of enforcement campaigns on problematic roads. The number of police vehicles on these roads was tripled, with a patrol car stationed every four kilometers, resulting in a 50 percent decline in accidents. The police also credited vehicle manufacturers with playing a part by improving safety features, and praised the Knesset for enacting road safety legislation.