Wisconsin traffic crashes in 2006 killed the fewest number of people in 9 years.

The state Department of Transportation says more people used their seatbelts, meaning fewer people died during crashes. 709 people died in Wisconsin last year. The State Patrol says the high gas prices, media campaigns, and extra patrols helped keep traffic deaths down.

“A combination of all those factors is working to bring a lot more people home for the holidays and it brings a lot safer driving for most people,” Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Mike Melgaard says.

This year is not off to a good start- there have already been five fatalities through Tuesday morning, including the New Year’s Day fatal crash in Saint Croix County.

Melgaard says 75 percent of Wisconsin drivers wore their seatbelts, an all-time record.