State highway officials are hoping for one day with no traffic fatalities.

An early report released by the National Highway and Transportation Administration estimated there were approximately 34,000 traffic fatalities in 2009. That’s about 93 fatalities every single day – one fatality every 15 minutes.

There were 848 traffic fatalities in Alabama in 2009, down significantly in recent years. The tenth annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day will be celebrated in Alabama on Oct. 10, by promoting the theme “Toward Zero Fatalities.” The goal is to unite the state in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by encouraging safer driving behavior and promoting safer roadways.

In support of Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, the Alabama Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Health and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) are calling on the public to do everything they can to make Oct. 10 a day without any traffic fatalities on Alabama’s local, state, U.S. and interstate highways.

ALDOT will display variable message boards and signs in construction zones and a recorded video at each rest area across the state throughout the month of October to relay this very important safety matter. October was selected for the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day observance because it is among the peak months for traffic fatalities.

“I will continue to work to improve our road and increase safety on our highways. But the best thing Alabama drivers can do to keep safe is to buckle up, drive safely and never drive under the influence,” said ALDOT Director Joe McInnes.