The North Carolina Transportation Department estimates the number of people killed on the state's roads in 2008 dropped by 18 percent, compared with the previous year.

Officials estimate about 1,400 people died in traffic accidents last year, compared with about 1,700 in 2007.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that highway safety experts attribute the drop to fewer people on the roads because of rising gasoline prices and the slumping economy.

Highway Patrol Sgt. Jorge Brewer says people aren't traveling as much, even though gasoline prices have dropped in recent months.

David Harkey with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Highway Safety Research Center says all states had a drop in traffic deaths last year because there were fewer drivers on the road.