INLAND EMPIRE – Traffic deaths across the Inland region dropped dramatically last year partly because of the economic downturn.

Three-hundred-fifty-six lives were lost as compared to 523 in 2008. San Bernardino County claimed 52 percent of the total last year. June was the deadliest month.

California Highway Patrol statistician Daniel Hesser in San Bernardino is troubled by an increasing number of motorcycle fatalities.

“With the way the economy and gas prices have been going, a lot of people have been switching to motorcycles for commuting reasons. Perhaps, they don’t have the proper training.”

The highway patrol has received a 2-year grant to reduce motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. (INT)

Story Date: January 13, 2010