Although Americans drove more miles in 2010 than the year before—46 billion more miles, to be exact—highway deaths have dropped to the lowest level in more than 60 years. This is exciting news!

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released this and another record-breaking statistic on highway deaths for 2010, the most current year for which reporting is available. Not only did highway deaths fall to 32,885 in 2010, the lowest level since 1949, 2010 also recorded the lowest fatality rate ever, at 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—down from 1.15 in 2009.

What’s changing? NHTSA reports better-designed, safer vehicles have contributed to an overall decline in crashes, deaths, and injuries on U.S. roadways. In addition to improved vehicle design, increased safety practices—like seat belt use—is also making an impact on protecting drivers and passengers nationwide.

Early estimates for 2011 indicate these historic lows continued through last year. Let’s hope 2012 continues the downward trend.