The Burlington Free-Press reported this week that the number of people who died on Vermont highways last year dropped 22 percent, to 55, the lowest number since 1944.

Vermont's Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn said the good news is due to a combination of things including: the increased use of seat belts, a continued emphasis on keeping impaired drivers off the roads, public safety campaigns, safer cars and safer highways.

"When you look at these numbers, you think, 'Wow, we're making a difference out there,' but on the other hand, I look at it and say, 'Wow, 55 people died in this state last year because of motor vehicle accidents. What can we do better?'" Flynn said.

"The group that we need to approach and the group that we need to get the message is from the 15-year-olds up to the 30-year-olds."

Of the 55 fatalities, 24 involved drivers with alcohol or the active ingredient in marijuana in their systems, an increase of 11 percent over 2010. And 19 of the people who died were either not wearing seat belts or, for the eight motorcycle fatalities, not wearing helmets.

Undoubtedly, the people reading Vermont's leading newspaper couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition of another story that appeared the same day.

It was about a 19-year old Colchester woman who was driving and had struck a 53-year old pedestrian who is now confined to a wheelchair.

"The Colchester driver accused of texting a friend just prior to striking a pedestrian with her car on Aug. 7 deleted text messages from her cell phone moments after she called 911 to report the accident," the report said.

Yes, Mr. Flynn, you are absolutely correct.