Traffic deaths rise after six-year decline in sad sign of better economy

In the past six years, the death toll from driving on American roads has fallen to levels not seen in decades. According to federal data, 32,310 people perished in accidents of all varieties in 2011, a level not seen since 1949, when there were one-fifth as many vehicles on the road. Automakers and auto safety advocates welcomed the drop, hailing technology and safety campaigns for the change. This year, traffic deaths appear to be surging -- and several researchers suspect the decline had less to do with caution and more to do with economics.

Over the past six years, there's been a plethora of new safety features in vehicles, from electronic stability controls to more advanced air bags. As for the drivers themselves, regulators have fought for tougher penalties against drunk drivers, tougher rules for seat-belt use and increased training for younger drivers, all problems that lead to large numbers of road fatalities.